Olive Press Mallorca issue 171

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PIZZA-SLICE PERFECT

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The Costa del Ski is s perfect for Christma card snowscapes and adrenalinepumping thrills, writes Iona Napier, recalling her ‘pizzashaped’ teaching tips

“

I’m skiTHERE’S no way walk up, ing down that. I’ll take the get my ski and my Ollift down,” insistedlooking ive Press colleague, while skiers longingly uphill, past us. zipped gracefully barely visHis grimace was layers of ible through the but the buff, hat and goggles, as he lay snarls were audibleski 20 mespread-eagled onewhere he’d him, above tres taken a tumble. day on It had been a testing virgin Rob, the slopes for ski ambiand after a particularly three contious blue run with his sense secutive wipeouts, withof humour had vanished out trace. that the rest It didn’t help group had of our impatient base for a zoomed back to

cannons going full top ICY BLAST: The snow the view from the blast, while (inset)

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NEIGH MORE ALCUDIA will become the first council in Spain to ban horse drawn carriages in a ‘historic’ move.

The measures will ‘put an end to the suffering of animals’ by replacing horse drawn carriages with electric powered vehicles.

The proposal received unanimous approval at a council meeting this week.

The bylaw amendment is the result of years of campaigning by residents, tourists and animal rights groups.

Even carriage drivers are backing the motion and will pay for the new vehicles themselves.

The changes are ex- pected to be in effect by the end of summer 2024.

expat

voice in Spain

Vol. 6 Issue 171 www.theolivepress.es December 15th - January 12th 2024

Artful dodger Expat squatter lives two years free of charge after bragging ‘I know the law!’

A BRITISH expat is demanding action after being forced to pay thousands in energy bills for a fellow British squatter who moved into her home two years ago.

The tenant, Carmen Bonnici, is refusing to pay rent, claiming the house has been inhabitable since she moved in - a charge the owners deny.

The artist rented the cottage near Ronda (Malaga), in December 2021, but after paying one month’s deposit, has refused to pay anything since.

It is a problem that is becoming increasingly common in Spain. Last month the Olive Press reported how a squatter had been living in a €3 million villa in Mallorca for a year. The 21-year-old took over the stunning chalet in upmarket Son Vida and even had security alarms fitted.

Meanwhile, owner of the Ronda home, Irene Cox, a retired English teacher, is forced to pay for her electricity, water and other bills, costing, so far, more than €2,000.

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Bonnici has repeatedly claimed the house is not suitable to live in, but has allegedly failed to let builders in to undertake repairs.

Worse, she has now declared herself as a ‘vulnerable adult’, making evicting all the more difficult under Spanish law.

Meanwhile videos from her Instagram account show her dancing around and smiling inside the home, for which she has not paid rent for 23 months.

According to her website her artworks sell for thousands of euros each, although it is not known if she has sold any recently.

In an email seen by this paper, she wrote to Cox: “I know my rights. I know the law… unless you give me back my money now you can both go f**k yourselves.

“As for the builders, if they set foot on this property as long as I’m living here then they are trespassing… if they come I will call the Guardia Civil.”

Cox and her estate agent husband

STAYING PUT: Squatter Carmen Bonnici, while right, the house in question

are now at their wits’ end after an attempt to pay her to leave also failed.

Despite taking Bonnici to court to evict her, no date for a trial has yet been set.

To complicate matters, Bonnici is demanding money from them for ‘damaged artwork’ from termites and water leakage “She’s obviously out to get everything she can,” Cox, from Worcester, told the Olive Press.

“As soon as she moved in she started making a list of c o m plaints, t h e truth is the home was incredibly clean and in a good condition, our former See page 6 tenant was there for

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years without a complaint.”

She continued: “I’m worried my home is going to be trashed, all the stuff she was complaining about was outrageous.

“She won’t allow us in, she actually refuses to open the door.”

When contacted by the Olive Press, Bonnici said the house was ‘simply not habitable’ and that she was advised by police and the town hall to ‘stop paying rent.’

She claimed there are holes in the roof, dangerous wires and no functioning toilet or hot water.

When asked why, if it was so bad, she had stayed for two years, she added: “The landlord hasn’t given my money back so I can’t leave.

“They said they would give it to me after I leave the house, but I know they won’t.

“Since time has gone by, more artwork has been damaged.

They’ve never offered to fix the termite infestation that has eaten most of my clothes. I’m in a vulnerable situation, I can’t move, I’m not financially able to, I don’t have any money. You can go from selling art for thousands of dollars to selling nothing.”

Opinion Page 6

2

CRIME

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December 15th - January 12th 2024

Maddie’s army

NEWS IN BRIEF Merry Mallorca A FESTIVE staple on the islands, the Puerto Portals Christmas Market opened yesterday, featuring dances and performances alongside artisan stalls, Santa’s grotto and an ice rink.

Legion of former friends and exlovers flying in from Spain and Portugal to help cage Christian Brueckner for life

AN army of expats from around Spain and Portugal are queuing up to put Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner behind bars for life.

The group, that includes ex-girlfriends, former acquaintances and police, will be flying in to Germany in February to give evidence The German sex offender is facing a permanent life sentence if found guilty of a trio of rapes, as well as two further child sex offences all committed in Portugal.

A total of 46 witnesses and police have been summoned for the trial at Braunschweig Criminal Court, between Feb-

Flying high PALMA Airport has recorded over 30 million passengers between January and November, its highest number of travellers since before the pandemic and an 8.8% increase over 2022.

Beach opening A NEW hotel chain, Honne Hotels, is due to open on Playa de Palma next year. The three star venue will make its debut in April 2024 after a €3.5 million investment.

EXCLUSIVE

By Jon Clarke

ruary 16 and June 27, the Olive Press can reveal.

This includes a number who have never spoken – or even been identified – before.

At least three are flying in from Spain, where Brueckner spent considerable time, mostly around the hippie communes, near Orgiva, in Granada.

It was there, in 2008, that Brueckner allegedly confessed to snatching toddler Maddie from her bed in Praia da Luz a year earlier.

He told friend, Helge Busching, that ‘she didn’t scream’

Fast & furious

Christmas spirit

POLICE are investigating after a man uploaded a video of himself driving at 220km/h to Instagram.

The incident occurred on a Menorca motorway near Mahon.

The video was uploaded to social media by an anonymous user who has now been revealed as the driver in question.

AN honest citizen handed in a wallet containing €940 in Pollenca. The woman gave police the purse, who quickly located the relieved owner.

EX-PALS: Includes Helge Busching, Michael Tatschl and Manfred Seyferth

at Orgiva’s Dragon Festival.

At least four of his former acquaintances, all petty crooks including Busching, Manfred Seyferth, Michael Tatschl and Mario Schonberg - lived for long periods in Andalucia.

“All the dates are now in the diary,” prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters explained.

“We hope to get all the charges read out on the first morning, a half day, on February 16, and then the trial continues the following week.”

The man is under investigation for According to the ‘reckless driving’ after exceeding schedule, spread the 90-130 km/h speed limit by over 29 days, his almost 100km/h. first lover, SilIn the video, the man is driving ke Becker takes with one hand and filming the to the stand on speedometer the other.

April 10.

It is the second time in a month an Brueckner had incident like this has occurred in fled Germany to Menorca after a driver was reportlive in Portugal ed by other motorists for driving with Becker, in at speeds of up to 192km/h. the mid 1990s, in the process

% 50

failing to complete a prison sentence for child sex crimes.

Other girlfriends include Marina Flache, a travel agent, who had helped clear incriminating evidence from his rented home in the Algarve, when he had been sent to prison in April 2006.

Sadistic

Her evidence helped cage Brueckner for seven years over the sadistic filmed rape of an American pensioner Diana Menkes, 72, in Praia da Luz in 2005.

He is currently still serving this sentence at Oldenburg prison.

At least five Portuguese police will also be taking the stand over two days in May. A leading forensic psychiatrist, Dr Christian Riedemann, will be in court every day to monitor Brueckner’s behaviour.

DRUNKEN EXPOSURE

A DRUNK Irish tourist who exposed himself to three teenage girls in a Santa Ponca street has escaped being jailed.

A Palma court on Tuesday gave the 28-year-old man a six month prison term after he pleaded guilty to indecent exposure.

The punishment has been suspended for two years on the condition he does not reoffend He’s also been ordered to pay €1,500 in compensation to the girls’ parents.

The incident happened on September 9, 2022 at around 7.00pm in Santa Ponca.

He was walking between Calles Ramon de Montcada and Riu Sil when he crossed paths with the three girls - two aged 15 years and the other aged 13.

He exposed his genitals to the teenagers and asked whether they wanted to see his penis.

Dirty landlord

TENANTS in Mallorca discovered their landlord had been secretly filming them for over five years using tiny hidden cameras.

Police discovered hundreds of videos and pictures of the victims, mostly young women, naked, having sexual relations and using the bathroom.

Police are now investigating a 47-year-old Portuguese man and his Bolivian partner.

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December 15th - January 12th 2024

SIMPLE ENTERTAINMENT

ONE of the eighties’ biggest rock bands, Simple Minds, is set to return to Spain next summer.

On July 22 the group will take to the stage at the Starlite Festival in Marbella alongside other famous names like Take That and Sheryl Crow.

Simple Minds last played the festival in 2022, wowing audiences with their hits from their 20 album career.

Considered one of the most famous groups of the 1980s, the rock quintet has sold over 60 million records with hit tracks like Don't You (Forget About Me), Sparkle in the Rain and Once Upon a Time.

Led by Jim Kerr, Simple Minds has been loyal acts to the Starlite Festival, first playing the event in 2012.

The 2024 edition is due to take place from June 14 to August 3.

A Real boost The wonderful gift from Jude Bellingham and co that made the dreams come true for an autistic British boy whose life has been turned around by football AN autistic British boy received an early Christmas present when his hero Jude Bellingham and the Real Madrid team gifted him a signed shirt at a match with Cadiz CF. UK-born Ben Nadarajah Marr, 17, known to everyone as Benjy, has been inspired by his hero Bellingham as another young British footballer making it in Spain.

It managed to turn a r o u n d what otherwise was a disappointing 3-0 defeat for his beloved Cadiz CF, the club Benjy plays for in the Inclusive League (La Liga Genuine).

He had brought a gi-

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

ant poster asking former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham to give him his shirt as he was subbed off the pitch after scoring Madrid’s third goal.

Bellingham saw the sign and gave a smile and a wave.

“He was so happy to get the shirt signed by the team and it means so much to someone like Benjy,” mother Renuka (pictured with Benjy) told the Olive Press.

“Because of his autism and ADD, he really struggles to make friends and he doesn’t understand why people don’t want to be

WHEN it comes to Christmas markets in Spain the variety is plentiful, but you can’t look past Spain’s oldest, the Fira de Santa Llucia in Barcelona.

This beloved market stretches out along Avinguda de la Catedral in the gothic quarter of the Catalonian capital and was traditionally where single women went to attract a husband.

It originally sold paper and clay nativity figurines to churchgoers in 1786 and first mention of the market was by Rafael Amat, a Catalan writer in the 18th century.

his friend.

“So when he gets this recognition from the Real Madrid players - global megastars - it gives him a sense of acceptance and belonging.”

Benjy’s difficulties in life were laid bare when Spanish football TV show El Dia Despues captured on camera Benjy’s efforts to catch Bellingham’s attention.

They put together a comical segment laughing at his persistent efforts to catch the attention of the Real Madrid bench and the irritated reaction of the other fans to Benjy’s commotion.

The editor of the show called Renuka within minutes of her sending an email pointing out Amat made reference to a ‘party in her son is authe street’, where nativity scenes, tistic to apoloimages of saints, shepherds, animals gise profusely and a ‘multitude of people’ gathered. and promptIt was also known as the ‘fair of ly sent a TV the girls’, since it was believed that crew to meet single girls went there to arrange Benjy and marriages. film an inGirls were accompanied by their terview with mothers, were well dressed and well him. groomed, in order to find a suitor.

Benjy was diagnosed early

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in life with autism, dyspraxia, attention deficit disorder and delayed development.

After a tough childhood in England and Gibraltar, Benjy’s mother, who has raised him as a single parent, relocated them to Cadiz in search of a fresh start when he was 12.

But troubles followed him and Renuka really feared for Benjy’s future.

“He’s had zero friends for the last five years,” Renuka said.

“There might have been one or two people who were nice to him in school and kind to him but nobody wanted to invite him to the movies or play football.”

Benjy’s dream was to meet Messi, who was ‘like a father figure for him’, and it led him, by chance, to Cadiz CF and the Inclusive League.

Suddenly he had found a group, all of whom had different disabilities and special needs, where he did not struggle so much with social cues and interactions.

Since he joined Cadiz CF’s inclusive team, Benjy’s behaviour and performance in school have improved immeasurably. “It really has saved both our lives,” Renuka said.

Olé!

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#WeLoveFlamenco

NEWS

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A PREVIEW of the latest trends in Flamenco fashion has been given in Sevilla.

The ‘official’ season for designers to show off their latest creations starts with the We Love Flamenco show, being held in Sevilla’s Hotel Alfonso XIII from January 13 to 19.

But a glimpse of some of the designs on show has just been given at the Casino de la Exposicion to whet the appetites of Flamenco fashionistas.

The show, which was first held in 2009, has since become one of the most important events in the Flamenco fashion world.

ROYAL RUMPUS SPAIN’s Royal family is remaining tight-lipped after the ex-husband of the Queen’s sister claimed he had an affair with Letizia following her marriage to King Felipe.

Jaime del Burgo, 53, who was married to Telma Ortiz from 2012 to 2014, revealed the alleged affair in a tell-all book about the former journalist, providing a photo and series of Tweets and messages as supposed ‘proof’ of their relationship.

Many doubt del Burgo’s claims as there is no evidence that Letizia actually sent him the photo or accompanying messages.

The Royals have declined to comment.

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THREE pitbulls that seriously injured a Mallorcan woman when she was out for a walk have been shot dead by police.

The 38-year-old victim was attacked by the dogs in Calvari de Felanitx.

Eye-witnesses said that the animals had escaped from a nearby farm and

STRIKE ACTION TRAVELLERS face a chaotic festive period with ground staff called out on strike.

The UGT and CCOO unions have called eight days of strikes by Iberia workers on December 29, 30 and 31, and January 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

Iberia management has called the planned stoppages ‘irresponsible’ and said that they ‘make no sense’.

The unions want Iberia’s parent group, IAG, to create an in-house ground service company that would work with all its airlines, including British Airways and Vueling.

They are angry the company has outsourced the service on the basis that its margins are so low, it is very hard to run profitably.

Fighting talk

December 15th - January 12th 2024

Pitbull mauling pounced on her.

The woman tried to escape but the strength of the animals and the number of them made it impossible for her to do so, leading to her suffering seri-

ous arm and leg injuries.

Medics called by witnesses could not reach the victim, so a fire crew stretchered her to safety while police kept the dogs at bay.

The victim was taken to Palma’s Son Espases Hospital in Palma, while the police located the dogs and shot them dead.

SCAM ALERT Our reporters threatened as they expose outrageous rental scam by Catalan-based fraudster

A RENTAL scammer has been exposed by the Olive Press after defrauding a young British expat out of hundreds of euros.

Jose Maria Herrera took €300 from the 24-year-old woman who had just moved from Leeds to Spain to begin a new life in the sun.

The Catalan conman bagged her deposit and then broke all contact, refusing to return the money.

Similar scams in Mallorca have netted criminals hundreds of thousands of euros from deposits. Most live on the mainland.

So bad was the problem, Madrid’s High Court stepped in to investigate 300 separate cases nationally - 100 in Mallorca - last year.

It came after local courts around the islands be-

A NEW proposal to ban smoking and vaping on Mallorca terraces could ‘cause fights between smokers and bar staff’, a hospitality boss has warned.

The controversial plan would see a return of the strict regulations set during the pandemic that were only lifted in Mallorca in July this year.

With a quarter of the island (26%) smoking, a new plan to restrict smokers came under swift attack from bosses in the restaurant sector.

“The ban will create difficult situations between our staff and our customers smoking,” said Cesar Amable, the president of PIMEM Restauracio.

Alfonso Robledo, boss of fellow body Restauracion Mallorca, blasted the proposal as ‘a ban for the sake of banning.’

CHRISTMAS SNAP BRINGS COLD AT LAST

COLD temperatures have finally arrived in Mallorca, putting an end to the hottest December on record.

Wednesday saw a cold front sweep over the Balearic Islands, lowering temperatures by up to seven degrees.

According to a spokesperson from the Spanish Met Office (AEMET), the low temperatures will continue, accompanied by frequent rainfall until February.

EXCLUSIVE

By Laurence Dollimore

came ‘overwhelmed’ by the sheer number of cases where deposits had been lost.

In the latest case, the qualified journalist, who asked not to be named, claims the police treated her with ‘almost total disdain’.

“They treated me like I was an idiot to be honest,” she told the Olive Press.

“I don’t have much hope in getting my money back but I just want to warn others to be more careful when looking for a room or flat in Spain.

“It’s a bit like the Wild West at times out here!”

Her nightmare began after she posted an advert on the popular online property portal Milanuncios.

CONMAN: ‘Landlord’ Herrera took hundreds Within hours she was contacted by Herrera, who showed her photos of an

Emily’s seven island sins SUPERMODEL Emily Ratajkowski has been spotted wearing a t-shirt from Mallorca’s Sant Joan festival.

The look is said to pay homage to the British-American model’s frequent holidays to the island, where she spent every summer until she shot to fame.

The t-shirt is a limited edition print from the 1999 edition of the festival, with demons representing the seven deadly sins.

According to a friend of the family, Ratajkowski’s father buys her a festival t-shirt every year.

She sported the top, which she has cropped, alongside a long fur coat to combat New York’s winter chill.

It brings an end to the unusually hot December, which has seen average temperatures above 20C. The ‘Indian Summer’ was a result of ‘one of the warmest masses of air that has ever flown over Spain in December.’

The strange phenomenon pushed temperatures to almost 30C in some areas of Spain this week.

Spain suffered four heatwaves this year, with Cordoba seeing a scarcely credible high of 39.2C in October.

This year is already the hottest on record on a global scale. Scientists widely attribute this phenomenon to climate change caused by human activity.

November was the Balearic’s fourth driest month on record and the second driest November of the 21st century.

apartment on the Estepona (Malaga) seafront before, brazenly, sending over a photo of his genuine ID and credentials.

Believing he was a legitimate landlord - he even posed with his kids in one pic - she transferred over the deposit, before he swiftly blocked her on all social media platforms and telephone.

When contacted by the Olive Press this week, Herrera became extremely aggressive and threatened one of our female reporters, a mother of three.

He said: “I know who YOU are and I have your details, if I see a story I will denounce you and it will be very expensive for you!”

He then shared a photo of the reporter with her children saying: “Is this you?”

When we told him we were taking his threats to the police he swiftly blocked the reporter.

The Olive Press has handed all the information over to the police, who promised to investigate.

Opinion Page 6

Cruising under control

A STUDY by an Oxford-based research body has revealed that the current level of cruise ships does not adversely affect Palma’s air quality.

The research showed that even when the port was full, levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen, sulphur and other particulates remain within the European Environment Agency’s recommendations.

“The results showed that cruise ships’ contribution to pollution in Palma is limited, with road traffic being the main responsible for the high levels of pollution,” explained a spokesman at Oxford Economics.

It comes after a limit was imposed in 2021 allowing just three cruise ships to enter Palma port every day.

Palma was the first Spanish city to enforce such restrictions, which also banned boats with a capacity bigger than 5,000 passengers.

Cruise ships have caused much controversy in the past due to their environmental impact, with a 2021 study showing a large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars.

Set up in 1981, Oxford Economics is one of the largest independent economic advisory firms, with over 350 economists and analysts around the world.

Thomas in town BRITISH cycling champion Geraint Thomas is training in Alcudia, Mallorca.

The first Welshman to win the Tour de France is on the island alongside his Ineos Grenadiers team.

One of Britain’s most successful track and road cyclists, Thomas has won three World Championships, two Olympic medals and one Tour de France.

SCROOGE WORTHY PRICES FOOD and drink prices on the Balearic Islands have risen by almost 10% in the last year.

However, the increases began to slow in October, with the Balearic Island’s consumer price index falling by 0.7%.

The cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks also fell by 0.2%.

In the past year prices rose by over 5% in hotels, cafes, restaurants and transport.

Nationally, food prices have risen by 9%, with general inflation standing at 3.2%.

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NEWS

December 15th - January 12th 2024

5

6

NEWS FEATURE

www.theolivepress.es Voted top expat paper in Spain

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

OPINION End the scourge of the squatters THE latest story about squatters from Ronda is an all too familiar story for landlords across Spain (Artful dodger, p1).

For far too long the Spanish justice system has been too slow to react to the purge of non-paying tenants.

If there is a genuine dispute, such as an illegal contract or mistreatment on behalf of the landlord, then it is understandable for a person to withdraw their rent.

But to stay for two years or, in some cases longer, without paying a penny, and for arbitrary reasons, is totally unjustified.

If you are not happy with where you are living and believe it is ‘inhabitable’, surely you then move somewhere else.

Money

If you think the landlord owes you money or you have another legal dispute with them, take it to the authorities and the courts.

It cannot be right that homeowners are forced to endure months or even years of electricity, gas and other bills while people live in their homes for free.

Owning a home in Spain is a stretch for almost everyone’s pockets, and landlords absolutely have the right to be rewarded with reliable tenants.

They are, after all, providing a much-needed service.

If the Spanish legal system was tougher on so-called ‘okupas’, perhaps there would be less desire for homeowners to turn their properties into holiday lets in an effort to evade headaches.

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AWARDS

2016 - 2020 Best expat paper in Spain

2020 Google News Initiative gives the Olive Press a substantial grant.

2012 - 2023 Best English language publication in Andalucia

POISONED WATERS

DISPATCH: The idyllic Andalucian retreat favoured by expats that is being torn apart by excessive water bills that are threatening some property owners with ruin

C

EXCLUSIVE

By Walter Finch

LOUDS of paranoia are gathering over the lush green hills of La Viñuela and its once-great reservoir, now little more than an alarming puddle.

As the Olive Press first reported a month ago, the truculent town hall slammed a number of its residents with unfathomable water bills in the tens of thousands of euros, without warning and a year late.

Since followed up in the UK media, including the Daily Mail, and with the Spanish media now taking up the baton, the beleaguered mayor has, not unexpectedly for Spain, put on his tin hat and dug a deeper trench.

Insisting there is nothing wrong with the council’s billing system, he has even, shockingly, insisted the residents, mostly northern European expats, can ‘afford to pay’.

Protests have been called, but incredibly, the case has not yet come to the boil. It soon will, as we discovered on a trip to the area this month.

The first many residents knew about the saga was when they received a call from their banks in September telling them they had, often, five-figure direct debits coming out of their account.

Thus the stage was set for a showdown between the town’s mayor, Jose Jiminez - affectionately known as ‘Juani’ - and its expat residents who occupy dozens of wonderful rural properties located around the lake.

“We penny-pinched all our lives to be able to retire here,” Howard Kilduff and his wife Jane, both 69, told the Olive Press.

The quantity surveyor and primary school

EXPATS: Howard Kilduff (top), Lee Talbot’s private water tank (right) and Paul and wife Jules (far right) teacher bought their remote, three-bedroom finca five years ago for its ‘tranquillity’ and spectacular views.

But their plans to further renovate it and refurbish the kitchen have been put on hold after the town hall tried to take €6,000 out of their account on September 18.

Now, like two dozen other residents - mostly Brits - they face the crippling possibility of their bank accounts and then homes being embargoed if they don’t pay up.

One expat, Lee Talbot, 63, from Canterbury, was stunned with a demand of €43,000 from the third trimester of 2022 - now standing at €53,000 after further bills were added.

Absolutely adamant he didn’t use this water, he is refusing to pay and has turned off the mains water to his six-bed property and now ships in his own supply privately.

“Hardly cheap, but better than continually receiving water bills in the thousands from the town hall,” he told the Olive Press.

Talbot is one of the few residents to make a As if to prove exactly how ridiculous the situ- formal legal complaint to the town hall, who ation has become he even received a bill of duly took his water meter away for testing, only €3,600 last month - despite the valves being to return a few days later conceding there was nailed completely shut. a small error in the reading - and knocking “In total it works out at €1,500 a month in €600 off the total. water usage - that’s like having another mort- “Now pay up the rest,’ is basically what they gage!” told me,” continues the property developer,

I

T was exactly a year ago that I sat down with friends for one of the most otherworldly culinary experiences of my life.

Seated in an almost spaceship-style capsule, we were taken on a three-hour journey through the science of food by Paco Morales at Noor in Cordoba.

A genius long-aiming for the stars, it was highly appropriate then that he should land his third Michelin star last month, becoming Spain’s 15th restaurant with the world’s highest accolade.

To say Spanish cooking has gone stratospheric over the last decade would be an understatement. A decade ago, the country had 148 stars, with just seven places snaring the top honour. Today Spain has 271 stars handed out from the French food bible.

The numbers are soaring by the year, and let’s not forget how painful the French find handing out plaudits to other countries when it comes to cuisine.

So perhaps a better measure of Iberian success is the recent ‘Best Chefs’ in the world' award, which saw an incredible HALF of the top 10 coming from Spain.

At the awards ceremony in Mexico last month, number one for the third year running was Dabiz Munoz, from Madrid’s amazing Diverxo.

I’ve been fortunate to meet the man on a couple of occasions

Chef

SCIENCE LESSON: Jon with Noor’s Paco Morales

and sat down with him a decade ago for his first interview after snaring three Michelin stars for the first time for Madrid.

Almost the exact opposite of the intellectual Morales, he insisted he wanted his food to ‘feel like a bullet in the heat’. It was certainly a meal I’ll never forget.

But Spain has always had these incredible mavericks, the eccentric types who grabbed the world’s attention with their culinary skills.

Famous five

It started with the likes of Pedro Subijana, Martin Berasategui and Juan Mari Arzak in the Basque region and soon spread to Catalunya in the guise of Joan Roca and Ferran Adria,

The Spanish are now the world’s number one cooking nation, grinding the French, Italians and Japanese into a pulp, writes Jon Clarke. And not just for quality, price too!

at world-renowned El Bulli.

This group of five chefs were always among the world’s best at one time or another, for their groundbreaking (yet all different) styles of cooking.

But what is different now is the sheer numbers of chefs that are leading the world.

Aside from Munoz at number one in the Best Chefs poll, Spain has Albert Adria (Ferran’s brother) at number two and Andoni Luis Aduriz, from Mugaritz, in the Basque region in fifth spot.

That’s three in the top five, and when you add in the team at Disfrutar in Barcelona at seventh and Joan Roca at Celler de Can Roca at eighth and it really is hard to deny Spain the

top spot.

The Best Chefs poll is selected, I should point out, by 150 professionals around the world, including critics, initially, before it is refined by 200 global chefs in the final round.

This makes it a genuine industry award, a chef’s chef honour and it is easy to see how well Spain has grown since the list first came out in 2017, when Spain had seven chefs in the Top 100, while France had 23 chefs and Italy 17.

Today, six years on, Spain now has 17 restaurants in that select 100, while Italy has 15 and incredibly France has just nine.

Talk about tables turned, the French must be feeling just a

December 15th - January 12th 2024

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D

who has an office in Marbella. village.

“It was like checkmate. But they never released Jimenez infamously said in a newspaper interthe actual report into this investigation they view that ‘if the residents used the water, they claimed to have done,” he continued. “We still must pay - and they can pay.’ don’t know how they made their calculations.”

Yet the actual Spanish locals we spoke to this This experience has deterred other victims month were keen to impress they got along from having their meters tested, fearing that very well with their foreign neighbours and that it is just a means for the town hall to rubber the community was actually well-integrated. stamp their bills.

But one woman’s face hardened when asked if The reluctance of the town hall she sympathised with those hit and the mayor to address the with the bills issue or even reassure its resi“If they used that much water, The town hall dents has slowly introduced ‘a they have to pay for it,” she said. poison’ into the community.

However, a handful of Spanish was paying This wouldn’t be happening ‘if residents do also count among €10,000 a it were the Spanish getting the the victims. bills’, is the grumble being whisLocal goat farmer Jose Antonio month to pump pered louder and louder. received an assurance from the its water La Viñuela town hall has still not mayor that he would resolve the published its accounts for 2022 issue.

- as it is legally obliged to do “Then they hit me with a bill for and it sat on the huge water bills for months €17,000 without warning. I only found out I’d before sending them out. been charged when I saw it in the bank. It is This was apparently due to a ‘technical glitch’ basic robbery.” in their computer systems, an excuse that has He continued: “In other villages, if a huge bill been greeted with scepticism. arrives they would ring the person and explain It has prompted some to wonder out loud if the what is going on. They needed to warn us betown hall is deliberately passing on huge costs fore sending out the bills.” to ‘los guiris’ in order to shield the rest of the Theories to get to the bottom of the matter

fs

BEST CHEF: Dabiz Muñoz has been number one for three years little browned off and wondering how to spice up their boeuf bourguignon.

Well, take it from me, having spent nearly two decades writing about Spanish cuisine and even publishing my own book Dining Secrets of Andalucia, they need to concentrate on basic local produce and respecting their ingredients.

What I think the Spanish have done so well over the last two decades is to think local and cook local… but then again, the Spanish did have a head start.

All the local chefs had to do after all, was simply head down to their local markets and see what was in season and arriving that day.

Aside from the legendary vegetables and fruits that grow all around the country, the pork from around Jabugo and Salamanca, the beef from Cadiz and Galicia and the fish from around Barbate, Denia, and Murcia, so much more is staggeringly good.

Take the rice from around Valencia, the saffron from inland and the wild mush-

rooms from the many varied sierras, the list could go on.

And I’ll leave you with a thought: After our amazing 11-course adventure at Noor last Christmas, we were left with a bill of just €115 per head.

Sure, now it’s got three stars the price has gone up, but at just €145 a head, Noor is still easily one of the best value leading restaurants in the world.

See Star Turns, p20

IRECT exposure to the Olive Press’ 30,000plus registered online database is getting amazing results.

Our followers get daily news emails, twice-weekly travel mailouts and a detailed health newsletter every Sunday.

As well as announcing financial seminars and special surgical procedures, a number of astute restaurant groups and hotels have caught on.

Musaka in San Pedro got 20 bookings from a one off deal including a free bottle of wine. as Party at Musaka Book your Christm DINNER – LUNCH PARTIES – Meanwhile, Malaga’s Metro group has used the OlCHR ISTM AS ) (groups of 4 and more ive Press’s Turk unique tool on three separate oct Beef ey, Roasmarketing Scrumptious Christma gs the trim casions thisallyear somin far. ed with or Salmon Fillet serv h from 33.90€ Luncdiscount A rse 50% for0€the open3 Cou 49.9 from drinks included OR withing hours) exclusive fortnight – 2,5their drinksof (wine, cava, beer, soft 49.90€ Nomad restaurant got 96 5 Course Dinner from 0€ 74.9 from ded OR with drinks inclu bookings, while drinks – 3 hours) (wine, cava, beer, soft F offOF brunch 20% 15% OFFa 25% 10% OFF for boo king s for boo king sdeal brought 18 peopleover 30. over for bookings le peop over 12 over 6 people 23’ G ‘MUSAKA “We’ve been very happy with the results” DISCOUNT BY USIN APPLY FOR YOUR SPECIAL DATES explained boss, E D DECEMBER E N Cmarketing & JANUARY LU F N I K E E R G L U s WO N D E R F MIXED GROUPS Karen Wolfson.

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abound, with the most prevalent being that air is entering the pipes and causing the meters to spin wildly and inflate the count.

Retired mechanical engineer and unofficial ‘Viñuela water bills’ spokesperson Paul Rouse is adamant that this occurs when the water pumps are switched off and on again.

But this was dismissed as a ‘bad theory’ at the town hall amid a finger-jabbing conversation when we were finally able to confront someone at the town hall. The mayor was ‘on holiday’ for most of the week.

“If that was the case, then all the properties in the same road would have the high bills,” the official - who demanded he was not named pointed out.

“But it’s not the case. You have houses next to each other with very different bills.”

The town hall continues to insist that each case is different and it is just a coincidence with no common cause - despite the high bills all coming in the same quarter and being followed by two quarters of low bills.

“Such huge bills are almost impossible to justify,” the former expat mayor of neighbouring Alcaucin, Mario Blancke, told the Olive Press.

“Something has clearly gone wrong there.”

The real estate boss, from Belgium, holds the distinction of being the only expat to become mayor in the region.

“La Viñuela used to get most of its water from a borehole in Alcaucin free of charge in exchange for paying the electricity bill on the pump and maintaining it,” he explained.

However, Blancke added that the electricity costs came to €10,000 a month.

In an ironic twist, it was a bill that Jiminez and the town hall ultimately found exorbitant themselves.

In a series of back door deals that were never written down, according to the Belgian ex-mayor, the two town halls negotiated a new deal to just charge for the water going through the pipes from Alcaucin to La Viñuela.

He also added that recent water bills include a 50% surcharge tax by the Junta which are going towards new sewage stations in the region.

But it still does not explain the mystery of the shocking water bills.

“In Alcaucin we offered residents the option to have a second meter installed to give two readings, at a cost of €120.”

Perhaps this is a simple measure that could help head off future problems in La Viñuela , but what is needed is a solution now. The ball is in the hands of the local mayor - let us hope common sense prevails and he does not drop it.

CHRISTMAS DISCOUNT SCAN HERE TO LAND YOURSELF AN UNLIMITED, AD-FREE HALF PRICE ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION DON’T miss the limited Christmas discount on our online subscriptions!

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Select the plan you want on our website and the ‘promo code’ box will open up below.

Subscription will offer at least a 75% reduction in ads and access to all of our premium articles. You will also have access to digital versions of our multiple newspaper editions across Spain and Gibraltar, daily newsletters of the top stories and weekly mailouts on the best travel and health stories.

The top five most read stories on www.theolivepress.es in the past two weeks are: strikes in Spain: Which flights will be 1- Airport affected by walkouts planned for December?

This town in Malaga province has been crow2-ned the best in Spain to spend New Year's Eve IPTV illegal in Spain? All you need to know 3- Isafter British expat is arrested for 'breaking intellectual property laws' holidays in Spain: When are they in 4- Bank December and what shops will be open?

WATCH: Vintage video from 1962 shows how 5-Spain's Costa del Sol looked before the arrival of mass tourism

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Live concerns

THE PERFORMING arts and classical concerts in Spain are still fighting to regain attendances and revenues lost since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020.

The SGAE Foundation's report for 2023 used the Valencia region as an example and looked at figures for last year.

It logged 1,957 classical concerts - 23.9% down on the 2019 figure, with attendance 50% down on three years earlier.

For theatre and dance, it was the same percentage fall, with revenues dropping by 37.4% compared to 2019.

The falls were far lower for pop music concerts and festivals, with income down by just 0.8%.

Old home ARCHAEOLOGISTS in Cantabria have found evidence of a cave dwelling constructed around 16,800 years ago by prehistoric humans.

The dwelling - occupying five square metres - was found in the La Garma cave complex. The ancient home is delimited by an alignment of stone blocks and stalagmites that supported a structure of sticks and skins leaning against a ledge of the cave wall.

Evidence was found of a small fire in the centre, surronded by animal bones.

December 15th - January 12th 2024

Rigoletto rumpus Outrage over sex acts and nudity at Madrid’s opera OPERA fans attending the first night of Verdi’s Rigoletto were taken aback by actors simulating sex acts and dancing in the nude, with many storming out during the interval.

Boos greeted director Miguel del Arco along with shouts of 'out' when he took to the stage for a curtain call.

The anger was not aimed at the singers who were given a hearty ovation.

Audiences saw 15 dancers simulating sex acts while the best-known song from the opera, La donna e mobile, was performed by tenor Javier Camarena (in the role of the Duke of Mantua) - describing the

By Alex Trelinski

provocative women as 'charming', 'elegant' and 'deceitful'.

The dancers appeared in the nude towards the end of the production. There were strong comments uttered by audience members during the intermission like: “They were all f----g”, 'The red curtains made it look like cheap cabaret', and 'This looked like a porn theatre'.

But del Arco defended the production, saying that the right environment for Rigoletto had to be in a brothel, as it is based on Victor Hugo's book, Le roi

SHOCKING: For some patrons Rigoletto was too much s'amuse.

He argued that the plot was all about ugliness and immoral seducers with dark alleys see-

TOP VELAZQUEZ A TWO-METRE high portrait of Isabel de Borbon, Queen of Spain, is set to smash auction records next year for any work by Diego Velazquez.

The painting is valued at over €30 million - more than doubling the current auction record for a Velazquez.

“This exceptional painting is remarkable not just for its beauty and quality, but also for its scale and subject matter,” said George Wachte from Sotheby's.

The Isabel de Borbon canvas was bought in the 19th century

by Henry Huth, a merchant banker and book collector, who hung it at Wykehurst Park in Sussex.

It has since been in private collections, and with its current owners since 1978.

ing women chased down to be delivered to the king.

The Madrid-born playwright added that he was not bothered by the audience's angry reaction.

As for the cast, Ludovic Tezier, who plays the court jester, claimed that there is a need to find new opera audiences, but an 'opportunity to offer a production for the whole family at Christmas time has been missed'.

The much-celebrated soprano, Adela Zaharia plays Gilda and says she finds the furore absurd. "I'm from Germany and I'm delighted with this production in which they don't make me do anything strange."

Rigoletto runs at Madrid's Teatro Real until January 2.

Online treasure A TREASURE trove of Spanish documents captured by Britain during historical conflicts between the two countries have been made open to the public thanks to a German university.

The project is a collaborative effort between the UK's National Archives and the University of Oldenburg (Germany), aiming to digitise and make publicly accessible this historical legacy.

A significant portion of the collection, known as the Prize Papers project, comes from 130 Spanish ships seized during the War of Jenkins' Ear and the Austrian Succession War in 1739-1748.

These wars saw the Bourbon powers and Great Britain on opposing sides.

This display, available online at the Prize Papers website, includes letters, drawings, recipes, official records, and more, offering a tantalising glimpse into historical maritime activities and the lives of those on board.

WAR: Spain versus UK

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1 Gratis (4) 4 Pipe up (5) 8 Mineral spring (3) 11 Dress with care (5) 12 Hollowed inward (7) 13 Naïve (4) 14 Misshapen (8) 16 Delighted (6) 17 Shook US wine: it’s not recommended (6) 20 Baptize (8) 22 Demonstrative pronoun (4) 25 Make clear (7) 26 Very large (5) 27 Light meal (3) 28 Laziness (5) 29 Social standing (4) Down 2 It has points and lines (7) 3 Spot (4) 5 Locate exactly (8) 6 Fright (5) 7 Initiate an oil well (4) 9 Land measures (5) 10 One of a series off the Isle of Wight (6) 15 Best (8) 16 Short coat (6) 18 Brutal (7) 19 Stood for men at work (5) 21 Drive back (5) 23 Norse god of thunder (4) 24 Partly open (4)

All solutions are on page 18

All about www.theolivepress.es

THE

December 2023

PIZZA-SLICE PERFECT The Costa del Ski is perfect for Christmas card snowscapes and adrenalinepumping thrills, writes Iona Napier, recalling her ‘pizzashaped’ teaching tips

“

THERE’S no way I’m skiing down that. I’ll walk up, get my ski and take the lift down,” insisted my Olive Press colleague, looking longingly uphill, while skiers zipped gracefully past us.

His grimace was barely visible through the layers of buff, hat and goggles, but the snarls were audible as he lay spread-eagled one ski 20 metres above him, where he’d taken a tumble.

It had been a testing day on the slopes for ski virgin Rob, and after a particularly ambitious blue run with three consecutive wipeouts, his sense of humour had vanished without trace.

It didn’t help that the rest of our impatient group had zoomed back to base for a Continues on next page

ICY BLAST: The snow cannons going full blast, while (inset) the view from the top

10

December 2023

All about

From front page

cana, without a second thought for Rob. With my several years of experience I had naturally ended up volunteering to become his impromptu ‘professor’.

After rescuing his ski and a bit of gentle cajoling, we set off gingerly down the highest mountain range in peninsular Spain, making ‘giant pizza slices’, as my first teacher had called them, with our skis.

He was soon back in the saddle and I was considering a career change, as I later sped down the Olympico run, in the Laguna de las Yeguas valley, which at the top has amazing views towards the Rif mountains of north Africa across the shimmering Med. It was the beginning of the perfect Sierra Nevada weekend, with perfect powder snow, bright sunshine and some of Spain’s best après ski at the end.

The Sierra Nevada is easily Spain’s best skiing resort, with nearly 113 kms of pistes over 1200 vertical metres.

The longest piste, SLICING UP: The pizza slice shapes Aguila, is a dreamy need improving 6.3km of easy turns and magnificent views, while the series of black runs, including Trampolin by late afternoon. and Visera, that will test most skiers.

And on the subject of sunbathing, Of course the resort is most famous some fanatics - including me - even for allowing tourists to test the adage brave the slopes in a bikini for the last of being able to ski in the morning and day of the season in late April or early sunbathe on the coast, a cava in hand, May (la bajada en bikini see pic above).

HALF PIPE HEAVEN

Believe me, it’s an unmissable day festooned with champagne, near nudity and plenty of hedonism.

But it’s not just for fun junkies; expert skiers insist the snow, particularly in springtime, is a soft and sumptuous

ride, unlike the tightly-packed icy pistes found in many European resorts.

The long termers call it ‘cream snow’ (nieve crema), and most say it is at its best from February to April, although the season often begins in late November, weather permitting (this year it began on Dec 3 with just a few kilometres open).

Best of all, the price for passes has not gone up much over recent years (it’s €37.50 to 58.90 for an adult day pass depending on time of year).

“It’s a magnificent place with sun and a great location,” explains Mercedes Delgado, who has worked in the resort’s Cetursa admin team for over three decades. “The temperature is usually pleasant and makes for excellent snow conditions, with late night skiing too, and the season usually continues to May making it very versatile.”

She continues: “And our proximity to Granada city is a huge plus, whereas many European resorts are very isolat-

ed.

“You can come to the Sierra Nevada and also see the Alhambra, eat some famous Granada tapas.. . there is something for everyone.”

She is one of many long-timers, who have worked in the resort for verging on half a century.

Take a wonder around and chat to the various business owners and you’ll be amazed at how experienced they are.”

There’s Luis Casanove, at Telemark, who began on the slopes in 1987, while Jose at Skisol is now in his 41st year working here.

It wasn’t long after that in the 1990s that Giles Birch and Jonathan Buzzard set up together, going on to run their now famous British Ski Center (yes, American spelling).

The strategic location is near the beach, not far from Madrid, and perfectly accessible from most of southern Spain (Valencia, Murcia etc) and increasingly Portugal.

Est.2002

Sierra Nevada

English Ski & Snowboard Instructors Holiday Arrangements: sierraessence@skisierranevada.co.uk

info@britishskicenter.co.uk T: 670 461330 / 646 178406 www.skisierranevada.co.uk

11

December 2023

POCKET-FRIENDLY RESORT

THE Sierra Nevada is incredibly good value, blasting the international competition out of the water.

A day ski pass averages at around €49, while Colorado resort Beaver Creek charges a mind-boggling €212 per day, Whistler in Canada is also €212 and Switzerland’s Zermatt can set you back €94.

In terms of ski hire it comes in around €25, while skiwear is found as cheaply as €20 per day, with a small helmet supplement which is a must, regardless of your vanity.

Alongside a loyal British crowd, many of them expats from Alicante and Malaga, the majority (around 80%) of the skiers are Spanish.

They are particularly drawn to the resort’s authenticity and charm that swanky French resorts have long since lost, with prices to match.

The place was quietly successful in the 1980s, but grew massively since the world ski championships in 1995.

Spanish is still the lingua franca – although virtually all restaurateurs speak English.

By contrast, in high-end Swiss resorts or in France’s Courchevel or Meribel, where the super-rich walk their Chihuahuas in white skin-tight salopettes, you’re hard pushed to find a native

French speaker.

The resort is very family friendly, with the majority of the 139 runs at a beginner or intermediate level.

There are several zones purpose-designed for little ones: with magic carpet lifts, bike-skiing and toboggan runs for kids or non-skiers.

More experienced skiers - and hundreds of snowboarders - head to the Sulayr Terrain Park, where there are well over 100 different ramps and rails, with the largest ski-jump in Europe.

The cool kids also hang out in the Loma de Dilar area, which boasts the biggest permanent halfpipe in Spain, with a cross country ski and snowboard run.

And it’s not just the class skiing that keeps punters coming back, the nightlife and restaurants are second to none.

And the Sierra Nevada’s businesses are delighted to meet you, friendly down to earth businesses that do not mock their customers with ski-high prices.

Try Nichi at Bar Ski for some apres-ski vibes of the highest calibre… his bar and the ones around it are perfect for a cheeky beer or glass of wine before heading to one of the nearby restaurants.

Looking for a bit of the high life, you will easily find yourself distracted by Marbella Club’s Sierra Nevada outposts, El Lodge, or its recently added sister Meribel, two sumptuous, high-end additions to the local scene.

These are the sort of top end places that rival anywhere in Ibiza or Cannes, and keep the wealthy expats on the Costa del Sol more than happy whether there is snow or not.

And you can easily get a slice of it (even a high-end pizza slice) for a lot less money than you might realise as their restaurants are open to everyone.

IN THE FAMILY

More than 4 decades experience

MEDIUM – BEGINNERS Ski’s for 25€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 25€ HIGH – INTERMEDIATE Ski’s for 35€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 34€ PREMIUM – EXPERTS Ski’s for 45€ – Snowboard & Snowblades for 44€ Jackets & Trousers – 22€ Helmet – 6€

I

T is a classic family business.

Jose Antonio Lopez and his wife Montse are now joined by their two children, particularly when the resort gets busy.

But thankfully it’s not too far, the family living in nearby La Zubia, just at the foot of the slopes.

In an excellent location, their shop Skisol has some of the best quality skis and snowboards to rent and customer service is the key to its success.

“We always put the customer first and have plenty of returning business,” explains Jose Antonio, who has been renting out skis in the Sierra Nevada for four decades.

Visit www.skisol.es or call 958 48 08 57

NATURAL SETTING: And (top) competing in the European Championships

EXPERIENCED: Montse with son and pal

Snow Glasses – 5€

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December 2023

All about The Maribel Hotel in the Sierra Nevada adds an additional upmarket pull to Spain’s hippest ski resort, writes Jon Clarke

T

DECKED OUT The Sun Deck terrace at El Lodge Ski & Spa is set to be one of the hottest places to hang out this winter.

Aside from various plans arranged for kids, the food truck, supplied by Marbella’s hip CHEAT restaurant, is already gaining rapid kudos from the costa’s teenagers.

Said to have the best burgers in Marbella, they are now available in the Sierra Nevada too.

CHEFS CONFERENCE: The teams from the kitchens at El Lodge and Maribel have regular planning meetings.

Breakfast plates (left) and (right) a waiter pours wine and a cheese fondue lunch spread

HE last time I’d luxuriated in Alpine-style bliss in the Sierra Nevada was a decade ago, and right next door.

When El Lodge reopened after a stunning refit in 2012 I was lucky enough to take my family - including two young children as the season kicked off.

It had gone swimmingly, even despite our pair stripping off and bombing into the outdoor heated pool completely naked, quickly followed by my wife in a bra and knickers!

Something of a test run to sample the exclusive hotel’s offering, its well-travelled manager insisted I needn’t ‘worry’ about the kids and explained the sort of guests who stayed here were allowed to be ‘carefree’ and throw caution to the wind. The seclusion and privacy took care of that.

The Lodge has proven to be one of Andalucia’s resounding success stories over the last decade enticing up an extremely mixed international crowd, half of whom just come to relax, with no intention of skiing.

Seeing the affluent at play is always something to behold and the Lodge has completely nailed their needs, its terrace usually abuzz with a certain joie de vivre, a fun atmosphere where you’re guaranteed to see glasses of champagne (not cava) clinking, as the sun’s rays start to drop and the shadows lengthen.

So, I suppose, with occupation rates often nudging into the 90s, it was little surprise that the celebrated luxury hotel group behind the five-star Marbella Club and Puente Romano would look for a further addition to its Sierra Nevada portfolio.

And, as it turns out, they have now acquired two new properties right next to the Lodge… the first, the Maribel Ski & Apres Ski, having reopened last year with 29 rooms, all geared towards the luxury end.

There is something undeniably comforting about the Maribel, which immediately feels like a home on arrival, not a grand showy hotel, except, of course, for the doorman, who quickly whisks away your car and speeds your luggage up to your room, while you check in.

Billing itself as a chalet, this is very much the feel as the subtly-lit reception area doubles up as an open-plan snug, pool room and bar area and the sheer variety of sumptuous furnishings and faux fur is impressive.

Everything is geared towards comfort and nature and its pick-and-mix wooden furniture further adds to the homely feel, while the smell of natural oils is immediately calming.

There is a real focus on wood, sustainable Finnish wood, from the beams and

MARVELLOUS

pillars to the panelling and floors, while The scene is completed with plenty of a series of drinks tables are made from faux fur throws and a series of original original oak. stone and shell sculptures, while a cirOn one wall a false bookshelf gives way cular wooden chip tells you to ‘leave me’ leading to the rooms, which are all re- on the bed if you don’t need the sheets markably well-appointed, changing. each with their own balcoA giant ski resort photo ny, looking through a thin from the 1980s holds A wonderful stand of pines into the court on one wall and wide open snowy mountains behind. is a continuous theme Nothing is lacking from the throughout the hotel, in space offering smart entertainment sysparticular in the imprestem to intelligent lighting a true sense of sive restaurant downand the coffee machine to stairs. escape electric loos (be careful of It is here that I felt most at the automatic bidet button, home, despite the warmth though, unless you want to of the bar upstairs. cool down).

Billing itself as a ‘gastronomic club’, it is The theme is geared towards travel and, a wonderful wide open space with acres in particular, leather suitcases, all edges of glass offering the most amazing views sealed in brown leather, including the and a true sense of escape. side tables, desk and even cupboards. Its focus (apart from the views) are the el-

13

December 2023

ELEGANCE: Maribel’s beautiful Finnish wood spa and (below right) two rooms

egant bar at one end and the giant scene stting circular lights (above), which are tempered depending on the mood and time of day.

It’s very much a stand alone restaurant, encouraging diners in from the outside, and with input from well-known local DJs it has a distinct buzz about the place in the evenings, particularly at weekends and in the holidays, I’m told.

I was really impressed with the dinner menu, which was striking in its length with 13 starters alone, including caviar and oysters.

The stand-out dishes include the celebrated Motril shrimp croquettes with cane honey alioli and the marinated beef carpaccio with artichoke and truffle dressing.

I fancied something a bit different and went for the ‘shaved cauliflower salad’ with apple and smoked almonds, which was delicious and, as one of the chefs later admitted, was a real ball-ache to prepare.

I also tried the classic French onion soup with Gruyere croutons, a brilliant winter warmer after a day on the slopes.

For those looking for nostalgia, the ‘Alpine specialities’ section naturally included a Raclette and a separate cheese fondue, as well as an artichoke flower, served with foie and burrata cheese.

But first I should mention the amazing giant crusty warm roll that comes out with the very best olive oil, either from the organic Belvis mill in Istan (lunch), or the award-winning Castillo de Canela of Jaen (dinner).

For mains I wasn’t looking for anything too heavy, so a simple plate of spaghetti with Boletus mushrooms, from northern Spain, was splendid.

For lunch the following day I ordered in room service, having come down with a touch of the flu, and was seriously cheered up by the most delicious buffalo mozzarella I have eaten, alongside some of the sweetest cherry tomatoes one can possibly imagine.

A remarkable baked aubergine, with olive, tomato and basil sauce, recommended by the kitchen for a dickie tummy, couldn’t have been a better recommendation. The sweetness of the tomatoes (again) really

cheered me up.

The wine list would be hard to beat with dozens by the glass and a particularly exciting top end, exclusive section, where you can grab an amazing glass of white Chassagne Montrachet (Domaine Bader Mimeur) for €29 a glass, or an Italian Barolo (‘Cannubi’) for €23.

Aside from that, there were plenty of Spanish wines from around the country, many in most readers’ price range.

And on that front…OK, while many of the mains were over €30, there were plenty of plates for just over €20, which for such a high quality joint isn’t bad at all.

So, all in all, the Maribel more than matches up to the amazing opulence of El Lodge next door, while being considerably more accessible and less fussy and certainly better for families.

Aside from the fact you can also ski right from the door (snow willing) and there is a ski shop renting and selling equipment, you also have the impressive spa too AND a heated outdoor pool to boot, plus a hot tub and jacuzzi.

Now I finally understand why so many of the guests of these two wonderful hotels don’t even consider strapping on a plank or two of wood to their feet. Marvellous Maribel it certainly is!

More info on Maribel Ski & Après Ski can be found at www.maribels.com For El Lodge Ski & Spa visit www.ellodge.com

BENCHMARK: The amazing El Lodge terrace and rooms have re-defined the meaning of ‘hip’

14

December 2023

All about

SKI’S NOT THE LIMIT Add an extra dimension to your winter sports experience with these other (great value and often free) Granada sites

N Photos by Jon Clarke

MOORISH: Ancient Arabic baths and flamenco dancers at the Albaicin

O trip to the Sierra Nevada is complete without paying homage to Granada’s most iconic landmark, the stunning Alhambra Palace.

This magical 13th century Arabic building dominates the city from its hilltop eyrie.

After a morning tour of the sumptuous monument and its gardens, wander the streets of the Albaicin, the pedestrianised former Moorish quarter.

The streets are lined with teterias serving authentic mint tea and the Arabic pastries while the shops are akin to a Moroccan souk, with exotic clothing and beautifully-crafted knick-knacks.

For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts sits in the heart of the Charles

V palace with over 2,000 incredible pieces of classic work.

Elsewhere the Sacromonte neighbourhood is where the original gypsies first settled and lived in caves and you can visit the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte.

Another of Granada’s most important historic attractions is the Cathedral, an imposing structure of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that took over 180 years to construct.

It remains unfinished as two towers were originally planned for the facade, only one of which has been half-built.

As Granada is Andalucia’s main university town, cultural events are high on the agenda.

And, above all, it won’t bust your NIGHT TOUR: A stroll around the Alhambra gardens at night is free and atmospheric to the extreme

NICHIS COOKING

Telephone: 858 816 833 Edificio Mont Blanc, Galería Commercial, 18196, Sierra Nevada

BES T TAKE AWAY FOO D IN THE SIERR A NE VADA

OPEN

3PM TO 2AM

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Oven-roast chicken, baked potatoes, hot dogs, pies and more

bank balance either. Travel website Omio has branded the city, the cheapest holiday destination in Europe for its range of free activities and cheap sightseeing tours.

The Alhambra is free to enter, although you do have to pay to see its most famous Nasrid palaces and Generalife.

The city has dozens of free activities – 112 to be exact. That includes 10 free museums.

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December 2023 ICONIC: Alhambra from the Albaicin, while (below) one of its internal patios and the cathedral

An evening out in the city must include a tapas crawl taking in a few of the cool restaurants including Gastrobar La Botilleria and its next door hip joint Rosario Varela (pic below left).

FESTIVE FUN

THE resort is one of the most festive places to be in Spain, and the Spaniards know it, as they descend in their droves for Christmas and New Year.

‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas eve, when the Spaniards celebrate the festive season with a huge family meal and lashings of

turron, is usually a sell out.

Meanwhile ‘nochevieja’, or New Year’s Eve, where massive screens show the countdown in Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol, with grapes galore, is a riot.

For the eve of the Reyes on Jan 5 the three kings duly arrive on skis. Kids will love it.

PURE ELEGANCE IN THE SIERRA NEVADA, WINES BY THE GLASS, CREATIVE NEW TAPAS BY THE WEEK Edificio Montblanc – in front of Hotel Melia Sol y Nieve, Sierra Nevada

LA CULTURA

December 15th - January 12th 2024

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS BELÉNS

1

Christmas started early (as usual) when decorations went up last week between Constitution Day and Immaculate Conception Day. As well as trees, lights and baubles, many homes and towns feature a nativity scene celebrating the birth of Christ known as Belens.

These vary from a small collection of figurines to elaborate recreations of Bethlehem featuring its landscape and the Magi. Some nativity scenes add ‘hilariously’ crude elements, for example the ‘caganer’ that depicts a peasant with his trousers down doing his business although in recent years the role of the peasant has been taken over by celebrities and politicians.

Live nativity scenes are also popular and the village of Beas in Huelva is famous for them, where its inhabitants represent over 3 0 biblical scenes.

Spain has no shortage of festive traditions that differ regionally. Starting at the beginning of December and ending in January there are plenty of scrumptious treats on offer as well as parades to go and see. Here are some of the interesting traditions that make Navidad special.

4 FOOD - DEC 24 On Christmas Eve people across the country leave work early to gather with their families to enjoy a feast of traditional dishes.

The menu differs regionally but many favour seafood or baked fish for mains as well as suckling pig and lamb.

This is followed by desserts such as turron (honey and almond nougat), marzipan and polvorones (crumbly shortbread).

CAGA TIO LOG DEC 24 MALLORCA MASS DEC 24

LOTTERY - DEC 22 For many the start of Christmas is December 22 when Spaniards gather around radios and televisions holding their tickets in hope of winning the Christmas lottery.

Dating back to 1812 in Cadiz, it has been held every year since without interruption (even during the Civil War).

People purchase the €20 decimos (tenth of a ticket) annually from July.

The draw occurs at Madrid’s Loterias y Apuestas del Estado draw room and the top prize is known as El Gordo valued at €720 million.

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3

Every Christmas Eve, Christians attend a midnight mass (La Misa del Gallo) to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Mallorca does something else during the mass known as the ‘chant of the Sybil’ ; it is recognised as Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. The chant is performed by a character dressed in a tunic, helmet and sword.

5

This pagan rooted Catalonian tradition of the Caga Tio (Pooping log) is a log that parents give to their children in early December, on which they draw a face, cover it with a blanket to keep it warm and crown it with the typical Catalan barretina (a red wool hat).

Children give him food and look after him so that, when they sing and hit him with a stick on Christmas Eve, he poops out turron for them.

NEW YEARS - DEC 31 & JAN 1 Thousands congregate in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol each year to hear its clock produce the 12 chimes that are broadcast on radio and television across Spain counting down to the new year.

A popular tradition that started in 1909 is trying to eat 12 grapes to the rhythm of the clock’s chimes. In order to have a lucky year one must eat the last grape at the last toll of the bell.

Champions and unlucky participants alike toast the New Year with a glass of cava to wash it all down and at the end of the night a tasty portion of churros con chocolate.

Another lucky talisman is the wearing of red underwear underneath one’s clothes which is said to guarantee a prosperous year.

Someone to look out for on December 31 is the ‘man with the noses’, a mythical character who has as many noses as there are days left in the year.

He can be seen on New Year’s Eve at midnight in Placa de Palau, Barcelona, the only night he has a normal appearance.

The next day on January 1 he will have 365 noses all over his body.

8 OLENTZERO & APALPADOR - DEC 24 Instead of Father Christmas or the Magis some Spanish regions have their own gift giving friends such as the Olentzero from the Basque Country.

The kind natured Olentzero loves food and drink.

He lives in the forests of Navarre and the Basque Country making charcoal, but comes down on Christmas Eve to bring gifts to good children.

Head northwest and you will reach Galicia, home of Apalpador. The redbearded charcoal burner always carries a lit pipe in his mouth, a beret on his head and a walking stick.

He is known to travel throughout Galicia on December 24 and 31 ensuring everyone is fed.

Originally sweets and chestnuts were given out but now small toys are also given to children.

DÍA DE LOS INOCENTES - DEC 28

7

Just a fews days later marks the celebration of the Dia de los Inocentes on December 28.

The festivities commemorates the failure of King Herod’s plan to murder all the babies in Bethlehem for fear that baby Jesus would take his throne.

Throughout the day Spaniards play pranks on each other varying in extremity and many newspapers try to trick readers by publishing false articles - much the same as April Fools Day in the UK.

6

THE THREE KINGS - JAN 5-6 Although some children await the arrival of Father Christmas, this custom is not as popular in Spain.

Most leave their shoes out and some food awaiting a visit from the Three Wise Men - Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar - in the early hours of January 6.

If a child has been naughty they will receive a lump of coal and if they have been good they will receive some gifts.

Three Kings Day also marks the end of Christmas in Spain.

The celebration begins on January 5 with the Cavalcade of the Magi, parades that are organised all over Spain.

Children can see the three

9

Wise Men, their camels, and other magical characters parade around and throw sweets to them.

It is also customary to share a Roscon de Reyes, a sweet ring shaped treat filled with cream and candied fruits.

The treat also contains two items - there is a small figurine and whoever finds it is crowned king of the house for the day and a dried bean which is supposed to bring bad luck to its finder.

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LOOKING FOR MORE November 29th December TRAVEL STORIES? December 12th15th 2023January 2024 Scan to visit12th our website

known town has been put atop a list 123 AofLITTLE 282 Spain’s 20 most beautiful towns.

According to UK newspaper The Telegraph, Sanlucar de Barrameda is the fairest of them c o v e r, all. e n d s 3 It is nestled out of the way on the northwest coast of Cadiz province, next to the Guadalquivir River and facing the Doñana Natural Park.

And this hidden gem boasts a range of attributes that have led the newspaper to label it as their ‘favourite holiday destination without exception.’

According to The Telegraph', you can find ‘elegant ports, tranquil beaches, and exquisite seafood restaurants’ in Sanlucar de Barrameda, in a town of ‘charming whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillaea.’

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17:01

HIDDEN BEAUTY

Ring in the New Year Town has been crowned the best in Spain to spend New Year’s Eve FORGET the iconic Puerta del Sol in Madrid or Plaça Espanya in Barcelona - a string of small towns have been named as the best spots in Spain in which to ring in the New Year.

And the tiny but picturesque Malaga town of Frigiliana has achieved the sought after title of best place to spend New Year in Spain, as chosen by travel magazine Viajar.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is precisely because of the lack of big nightclubs, bars and

2022 Imputed Tax Deadline: 31st December 2023

By Yzabelle Bostyn

rowdy streets that Viajar chose it as its top destination.

The white village nestled in the hills outside Malaga, was selected for its tranquil atmosphere, pretty streets and surrounding nature.

The quiet environment is perfect to reflect on the past year and look forward to 2024.

The magazine highlighted the ‘labyrinthine’ streets covered with colourful flower pots and the area’s closeness to the Sierra Nevada National Park and the Mediterranean sea.

It also mentioned the area’s sugar cane factory, which is one of a kind in

Europe.

Many restaurants in the area are offering New Year’s dinners or you could snuggle up in a local ‘Casa Rural’ with a bottle of local wine.

Second on the list is the historic town of Trujillo in Extremadura’s Caceres province.

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OP Puzzle solutions Quick Crossword Across: 1 Free, 4 Speak, 8 Spa, 11 Primp, 12 Concave, 13 Dewy, 14 Deformed, 16 Joyful, 17 Unwise, 20 Christen, 22 That, 25 Explain, 26 Jumbo, 27 Tea, 28 Sloth, 29 Rank.

Down: 2 Railway, 3 Espy, 5 Pinpoint, 6 Alarm, 7 Spud, 9 Acres, 10 Needle, 15 Outsmart, 16 Jacket, 18 Inhuman, 19 Meant, 21 Repel, 23 Thor, 24 Ajar.

Spanish conquistadores is famous for its castle and Renaissance churches and palaces And in third spot is the tiny village of Pastrana (Guadalajara) with a population of just 873.

It follows a Medieval street plan and features a splendid 16th century ducal palace and ancient convent.

Favourite spot SPAIN is set to be Brits’ favourite holiday destination in 2024, closely followed by the USA. Over 22% of British holidaymakers will head to sunny Spain in 2024 and if this year’s data is anything to go by, most will head to the Canary Islands.

In 2023, 30% of British tourists visiting Spain went to the Canary Islands, with the Balearic Islands receiving 21.8% of British tourists.

Catalunya also received a high number of Brits thanks to the capital city Barcelona, with 20.8% of all British tourists visiting Spain.

Valencia and Andalucia were also popular with Brits, receiving 13.1% and 10.8% of British tourists respectively.

952 147 834 * Vo l u n t a r y i n s u r a n c e c o v e r. S u b j e c t t o c o m p a n y u n d e r w r i t i n g c o n d i t i o n s . *Data extracted from process closure surveys after using our Roadside Assistance and breakdown services.

TheOlivePress-256x342-legal0823.indd 1

15/8/23 18:05

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL STAR TURNS 20

December 15th - January 12th 2024

Meet the new boys…

Spain now has an incredible 15 restaurants with 3 Michelin stars

T

Paco Morales

HE Spanish Michelin Guide

By Dilip Kuner & for 2024 has been revealed, Yzabelle Bostyn bringing the country’s roster of three Michelin star restaurants the capital of Spain for culinary exto an impressive 15.

Noor in Cordoba and Disfrutar, in cellence, with four venues boasting Barcelona, were awarded their third three Michelin stars. stars at the ceremony, which took pla- Alongside Disfrutar in receiving the enviable accolade are ABaC, Cocice in the Catalan capital.

Noor, led by Paco Morales, ‘one of na Hermanos Torres and Lasarte. the most outstanding figures in Spa- San Sebastian follows close behind, nish gastronomy’, was awarded its with a pair of three Michelin star restaurants, Arzak and first star in 2016 and Akelaŕe. its second in 2019.

Meanwhile, Madrid, According to the MiNoor has just one three Michelin guide, his reschelin star venue, Ditaurant ‘uncovers the ‘uncovers the verXO, whose chef essence of Andalucian essence of Dabiz Muñoz was cuisine using modern recently awarded the concepts and techniAndalucian title of ‘Best Chef in ques.’ cuisine’ the World’ for the third From their three menus year running inspired by Cordoba’s different Mudejar, Morisco y Al-Yazira historical periods, Other restaurants with three Michelin the guide highlights Noor’s fried al- stars include: monds, smoked butter and orange Atrio (Cáceres) Quique Dacosta (Denia) blossom dessert.

Disfrutar was selected thanks to the Aponiente (El Puerto de Santa María) ‘incredible creativity’ of its three head El Celler de Can Roca (Girona) chefs, Eduard Xatruch, Oriol Castro Azurmendi (Larrabetzu) Martín Berasategui (Lasarte-Oria) and Mateu Casañas.

Described as a ‘laboratory’, Disfru- Cenador de Amós (Villaverde de tar’s kitchen never fails to surprise, Pontones) with interactive tables and ‘solid bubbles’.

Master Chefs of the Universe Barcelona could now be considered See page 7

Noor, Cordoba

Morales opened Noor with the aim of putting Andalucian gastronomy on the map. In just over three years he had done just that by gaining two Michelin stars. His capacity for innovation and his personality have allowed him to bring the aromas and flavours of historic Al-Andalus to a modern audience. He has recreated ancient recipes and techniques in a contemporary and avant-garde way as the Olive Press discovered last December. Visit our website for full review.

Oriol Castro, Mateu Casanas, Eduard Xatruch Disfrutar, Barcelona Slightly confusingly, the ‘chef’ is actually three people.

The history and legacy of the Mediterranean is a running theme at this trendy city restaurant, set up by three trainees originally from Ferran Adria’s legendary El Bulli, just up the coast. Influenced by fishing village fare, the menu transports your

mind from old to new and metropolis to farm terrace. Their aim? To amaze, stimulate and create through gastronomy.

AND SIX MORE OF THE BEST 3-MICHELIN STAR CHEFS… Dabiz Muñoz DiverXO Madrid

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Chef Dabiz Muñoz has built a reputation as a pioneering and creative adventurer. Still only in his 30s, he continually surprises with his unique approach to cooking, describing his food to the Olive Press as being ‘like a gunshot to the head’.

DiverXO specialises in fusion cuisine combining different culinary traditions to produce an experimental menu that’s as unconventional as it is sophisticated. Born in Madrid, he is internationally recognised for his cooking and was voted ‘Best Chef in the World’ last month for a third time.

In the week he scooped his third coveted star in 2013, he told the Olive Press: “This is an honour for all Spanish chefs and for Spanish cuisine in general.”

Quique Dacosta

2

Quique Dacosta, Denia, Valencia Dacosta is one of the leaders in modern avant-garde cuisine, a keen supporter of the Slow Food Movement, and uses only products sourced locally. While he has his own three Michelin star joint in Denia, he also has two stars in nearby El Poblet and has a star as director and culinary creator of the amazing Deessa restaurant at Madrid’s Mandarin Oriental Ritz. It received its first Michelin star just seven months after its opening.

See Deessa review online

Javier & Sergio Torres

3

Cocina Hermanos Torres, Barcelona Twin brothers Javier and Sergio Torres started in the world of cuisine when they were 14 years old. After having sepa-

rate careers and working in renowned restaurants all over the world, they met again in 2002 to start new projects together.

FOOD,DRINK & TRAVEL Martin Berasategui

December 15th - January 12th 2024

5

21

AND THE LOSERS ARE

Restaurante Martin Berasategui, Loidi Kalea

The 11 restaurants in Spain that LOST their Michelin stars

One of the grandfather’s of modern Spanish cooking, Martin Berasategui oversees his Basque Country restaurant and is one of the most decorated chefs in the country, with eight Michelin Stars to his name. His restaurant offers edgy a la carte and tasting menus and has an impressive wine cellar to match.

W Joan Roca

El Celler de Can Roca, Girona

6

Joan has yet again taken the plaudits, but his restaurant is a family affair. There’s Joan, the architect of taste; Jordi, the pudding anarchist; and Josep, the magic ingredient: three brothers, inspired heavily by their mother’s cooking, their repertoire stirred by childhood memories and created with love and generosity for their customers. Opened in 1986, it has three Michelin stars. The food is simple but creative, old yet new - lamb with bread and tomato, St George’s mushrooms with avocado and cava made at the restaurant.

HERE there are winners, there must also be losers.

While 31 restaurants in Spain were announced to have won their first Michelin stars, another 11 have lost the gastronomic accolade.

Spain now has 272 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to the 2024 guide, with 15 notching up three, 32 with two, and 225 with one.

Among those who lost their distinction are Gofio in Madrid, and Lúa, which specialises in Galician cuisine.

In Catalunya, La Cuina de San Simon, in Girona, was one of the unlucky restaurants this time around, as was El Nuevo Molino in Cantabria.

Several Spanish restaurants lost their stars due to closures, including Odeon Nazario in Murcia, Zuberoa in Gipuzkoa province and Arbidel in Asturias.

Espacio N, located in Huesca, lost its star after chef Eduardo Casanova left for another venture, while Capdepera in Mallorca was stripped of its distinction after it moved location.

Angle, in Barcelona, also lost a star – but it had two before the 2024 awards were announced, so at least it has been left with one.

See our review online

Angel Leon

Aponiente, El Puerto de Santa María

4

Known across Spain as ‘el Chef del Mar’, Angel Leon is noted for his experimental seafood. In 2017, Aponiente earned its third Michelin star (the first and second were won in 2010 and 2014), making it Andalucia’s first-ever three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

He is currently engaged with a project to explore the culinary uses of seagrass.

Opening 15 December 5:00pm til 12:00am

We look forward to welcoming you all!

Authentic Irish Pub in Mallorca Carrer de sa Fábrica, 5, Port d’Andratx, Spain

PROPERTY Creating festive magic!

22

December 15th - January 12th 2024

HOME GROWN: Decorations made from cuttings from the garden and nearby hedgerows

When it comes to Christmas traditions, it’s the simple pleasures that mean so much. Just take a look in the nearby hills, writes Gabriella Chidgey

C

HRISTMAS is coming and my heart sinks just a little.

This is the first year that both my children are Santa sceptics, and with Father Christmas out of the picture, where does the magic and ritual come from?

I shall miss the hanging of the stockings and the letters I answered as if from the head elf.

I shall miss being woken up at 5am with squeals of excitement, hard as it may seem.

Despite being at a Catholic school in Ronda they are non-believers so church rituals won’t fill the gap.

Since our families live in the UK, it won’t be about a big family get-together, nor about sending cards since I never make it to the post office between the opening times of 11.45 and 14.30.

This Christmas I am instead concentrating my resources on the feasting and decorating part. And, in the current tradition of eco-consciousness I am

In the villages around Spain, the women traditionally infuse anis with herbs and spices at Christmas.

In many homes you will see a bottle with small glasses on a tray with ‘rosquillos’; homemade donuts with orange lemon and cinnamon flavoring alongside them.

Coincidentally, the anis from my village of Arriate has been trademarked ‘Mistela’, its local name and can be bought around the region

being as organic as possible.

In times gone by, I have designed, bought, created, cooked, decorated and directed the entire production for family and friends.

Yes, I wanted to fulfil expectations, and I completely exhausted myself.

This year, I want to do Christmas, but I want to do it with grace and ease, and I want to enjoy it. But how is this possible?

In Spain everything begins on December 8 - the ‘puente’ bank holiday - which celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

This is the day when families traditionally put up their decorations. And until only a few years ago, this ritual would be unpacking the boxes of small figurines to compose the nativity scene.

Meanwhile, moss would be collected from nearby woods to simulate the ground and often mountains, rivers and extended villages created around the manger.

Now, however, the northern tradition of the Christmas tree has been adopted by many Spanish families and garden centres are filled with pine trees sold in their thousands.

DID YOU KNOW? The British Puritans banned Christmas in 1647, both for its Pagan decorations as well as its ‘debauched’ festivities. Leader Oliver Cromwell removed the public holiday of December 25 since it was not a named day in the bible. The public was not amused. Violent disturbances ensued with the worst taking place in Canterbury and the repercussions of the rioting leading eventually to a rebellion and a second civil war.

my wintery interior.

Outside, the saturated blue sky and evergreen landscape of holm oak, olive and pines around our Ronda valley is dappled with the golden leaves My British roots mean that I am glass decorations, most have of poplar, acacia and mulberry. firmly established in the tree been bought locally in Ronda, It is a wonderful time to be tradition, and the boxes we rit- but certainly not made there, or outside and I feel enormously ually unpack are full of lights, indeed anywhere vaguely local. grateful for a winter as colourbaubles, stars and angels.

As my mother took back the ful as this.

Finding these boxes rather de- figurines she had from her own I am also glad I have set mypleted this year - following a childhood and my children re- self the task of collecting and vicious cull of all half-working fused to hang any apples and making some decorations inlights in a rather puritannical walnuts from our garden, a box stead of heading for the nearpost-festivity purge last year - I of unbreakable mass-produced est shop, particularly when it wondered how I might replen- red, shiny and glittery baubles means walking in these surish stocks. were added to the Aldi trolley. roundings.

Luckily I still had a few strings I did however go out in search Once back inside, I put the of lights, which are the cen- of evergreen leaves and berries mountain of foliage and fruit tral decorative element to this in the knowledge that my quest into all the jugs, vases and any winter solstice celebration that to beautify my home was as other appropriate receptacles I signifies the return of light and much a Pagan tradition of ven- can find. warmth after the darkest days erating tree spirits as it was a I then mixed roses with roseare over. wider celebration of the winter mary and olive tendrils, while The rest of the decoration is solstice. bay branches largely inspired by the Paradise It also serves were paired with tree, a fir tree hung with apples the practical olive branches Pine cuttings that represented the Garden of purpose of using and berries Eden. A 16th century German the suckers and turned out to be Pine cuttings tradition that became a Chris- new shoots that turned out to be tian ritual and slowly spread proliferate on my, very malleable very malleable across Europe and America. as yet, unpruned were great and were great and Redemptive wafers are trans- trees. for wreaths and formed into the current predi- Pleased that my circular tree orfor wreaths lection for cookies, and apples, husband has naments. They nuts and berries are now bau- bought new seare easily fashbles. cateurs, I easily ioned without Tree decorations became a gathered armfuls of bay, olive, any wire or string. globalized commercial venture rosemary and cypress tree With time, I can see how you after about 1840, following the branches. could make rather lovely tree popularisation of the tradition I returned for the last of the decorations and next year I will

by Queen Victoria. red roses and filled a few bas- give it a go.

Fashionable Americans fol- kets with quinces (which grow Originally these circular declowed suit and today the total in abundance), persimmons, orations symbolized the Holy revenue in the US alone is esti- oranges and a few remaining Trinity with its triangular shape. mated at 26 billion dollars. pomegranates.

Wreaths meanwhile, were Although I do have a couple The fiery life-giving colours of made from larger branches of very beautiful hand blown these fruits really warmed up and by the 19th century had become the symbol of advent.

Currently, making wreaths seems all the rage, looking on my Instagram feed. There are even workshops in the UK you can attend, which is a great way to spend a day with other people; getting into the Christmas spirit without just imbibing it.

The historian Ace Collins wrote that ‘The wreath was born out of not throwing things away’ and I don’t want to throw away my seasonal cheer and love on the quest for a perfect Christmas.

I started out feeling resentful about the advent of Christmas, but I now I feel inspired.

I want to create a verdant, nature-filled home. I want to set aside time to go for a walk with my husband and gather more foliage. In the future, I would like to set aside time to make cookies and natural decorations with my children, friends and strangers. I want to create a ritual out of this and I would like it to feel companionable, A winter tip is quinces which can be found all around inland undemanding and unhurried.

Spain. They are wonderful to scent a room and the Victori- And, of course, may this fuans used to keep them in the linen cupboards to perfume the ture also be resplendent with sheets. They are also delicious poached in a syrup with cinna- twinkly lights and hundreds of spice scented candles. mon, star of anis, cloves , lemon and maple syrup.

WINTER TIP

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Sheep placenta

FINAL WORDS

A SERIES of hair salons in Madrid were discovered to be using banned products made from sheep placenta and other cancer-causing products. Several arrests were made.

Toothbrush swallow A WOMAN went viral in Spain after she swallowed a toothbrush, which she had wedged down her own throat in a bid to dislodge a piece of jamon. She has made a full recovery.

MALLORCA

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Vol. 6 Issue 171 www.theolivepress.es December 15th - January 12th 2024

It was THIS big!

Record breaking catch as 11-yearold lands 69 kilo monster fish A BRITISH youngster had a Spanish holiday that he'll never forget after netting a record-breaking 69 kilo catfish.

Joshua Davenport, 11, from West Sussex got his catch of the day while out fishing with his parents on the banks of the Ebro river.

The 2.7 metre-long catfish nibbled on Joshua's rod and he could scarcely believe what was waiting for him at the end

Pet food win SPANISH airline Vueling has become the first carrier in Europe to offer food and treats for dogs travelling with their owners.

By Alex Trelinski

of the line.

It took 25 minutes to reel in the monster fish (pictured with Joshua) which has now become the biggest freshwater fish to be caught by a boy in Europe.

Catfish are nothing new to Joshua who had previously netted a 50 kilo whopper. His

mother Lorna said: “Fishing is everything to Josh who got his first rod when he was four and

FINGER LICKIN’ AROMA IF you love the smell of fried chicken then KFC has the perfect Christmas present for you - a limited edition ‘fragrance’ smelling of its popular product.

Called Eau D'uardo, it has the aroma of fried chicken and its bottle has been shaped like a chicken drumstick.

The unisex perfume - retailing at a

pocket friendly €3.99 - has been commissioned by KFC Spain.

It contains the herbs and spices from Colonel Sanders' original recipe, including ‘notes of bergamot, geranium, mandarin, and pink pepper’.

caught his first catfish aged six which weighed 10 kilos.”

Lorna explained his love of catfish is simply down to their large size and that her son's historic catch was the last one he made during their weeklong break in Spain.

“It was his dream to catch one over 45 kilos so there was no way he was going to let go. He did brilliantly and it took him about 25 minutes,” added Lorna “When he saw it he just couldn't believe the size of it and it took three adults and Josh to lift it.”

Paw patrol AN adorable chocolate labrador has not only joined its local police force but has also been chosen to star in their Christmas video message.

Keta the puppy is barely three months old, but has already been taken on as a colleague by officers in Malaga after she was born part of a litter that was rejected by its mother.

In the Christmas video Keta as the narrator explains that ‘when she was born, she looked a bit like a croqueta’.

That’s where the name ‘Keta’ came from, she adds.

She is seen in the film patrolling the streets of the city with officers, as well as discovering their duties over the festive period, which mainly involve ensuring citizen safety.

Wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

The Olive Press will return on 12th January 2024

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7/9/23 10:34