Ose's desire to provide ‘an innovative approach to the role of the M international stage, while incorporating a clear desire to connect with on the role of art at the beginning of this century, without shy commitment to the social issues surrounding cultural institutions’. The Olive Press celebrates International Women’s Day by highlighting some of the most influential WHAT’S THE SCORE? characters, both past and present, and how Spain stacks up on gender equality in our special pullout inside
TRAILBLAZERS TO TRENDSETTERS
A special four-page pullout
February 2024
www.theolivepress.es
Not far enough
OPINION by Yzabelle
Spain ranks fourth
F
in the EU Gender
Equality Index and
Yzabelle Bostyn explains
why…
Bostyn
A STUDY released logical Research by the Spanish Sociolines after statingInstitute hit the headbelieve ‘women’s 44% of Spanish men far that it is now equality has gone so discriminating against men’. While 32% of women agreed, the majority, 67%, believe inequality remains ‘very’ or ‘quite’ In comparison, large. just 48% of men with this statement. agreed But why do Spanish men feel disenfranchised? Digging deeper that they think into the data, we can see at least, equal women have better, or every aspect of opportunities in almost life; from promotions work to educational at access. However, when en, they reportedthe survey asked womportunities were that they felt their op‘worse’. For instance, just 27% of men said en’s access to wompositions of political sponsibility were recompared to 47% ‘worse’ than men’s, of women. Responses like this follow recent vances in women’s adIn 2005, then primerights in the country. minister Jose Zapatero, introduced most advanced some of the world’s gender equality The move came laws. after an Andalucian woman, Ana Orates was burnt alive her own home by in an abusive ex partner who she had spoken out against on television.
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EMALE equality in Spain had a big in 2023. year activities, the gender In December, Spanish Some 39% of Spanish imbalance flips. politicians Meanwhile, 70% men say they frequentproved an ‘Equal of Spain’s childcare Representation’ ap- ly take part in such activities, absences were granted designed to encourage work compared to that gender parity in Law just 33% of women. tics and business. they often sacrifice to women, showing politime at work to care for their families. It followed a landmark This category has try’s menstrual leave victory for the counalso contributed to Spain’s One in Europe to grant law, which was the first fourth place position, of the leave for women in- best, this areas where Spain performs the painful periods. creasing by 1.7 with points at women’scategory looks Despite all these since the 2020 index. health, life expectancy, rounding women’slaws, controversy surThe knowledge categohabits and access to sweep the country. rights continues to ry surveys not only serWhile some 67% ed- vices. women believe ucational achievement of discrimination remains While some 74% ‘quite large’ in the but the segregation of country, over Spanish men perSpanish men say Since then, subsequent of men and women equality has ‘gone44% of by ceive their governments So, how does Spain too far’. have also made subject studied. health to be ‘good’ or ‘very pared to other EU really perform when comIn Spain, women Most recently, strides towards equality. countries? The Olive Pedro Sanchez’s out- good’, compared investigates. number men in wing coalition introduced Press left to educa69% of women, a new ‘Equalitional attainment, With 76.4 points ty Law’ designed male life with 34% expectancy having degrees fourth in the EU’s out of 100, Spain ranks alent to positions of to create equal access is or their equiveconomic and and 23% currently years lower than some eight 6.2 points above Gender Equality Index. power. political in vocational trainwomen’s, at 80 years. ing. The figures Despite this, both for men are 32% has moved up twothe EU average, the country respectively. This, alongside places in the ranking and 21% years genders’ ‘healthy 2020. ing equality for other laws promotare equal, with men since Women life’ LGBTQ+ people, also outnumber and women enjoying 63 years of good The index is calculated sparked controversy men in the fields have education, health health. of Perhaps of different indicators based on a number and and and ruffled feathers across the country arts, representing welfare, humanities although this balance is due to the fact including time, knowlamongst the right edge, work, money, wing. almost half of univerthat women sity students. they have less timestick to healthier habits, Each of these is power and health. Many men are Although men represent to spend exercising - wrongly - seeing pared to men. using a variety of given a score worked out in laws as advantages comjust 25% these not offered to them. takes into accountdata, for instance, power ly this area, other studies indicateof students Some 79% avoid In fact, the so-called tobacco they great- sumption outnumber women the amount of ‘discrimination’ board members many Spanish men female counting in STEM compared to 69% and alcohol confor 65% of university subjects, ac- But only 38% of men. Although overall in high ranking companies. better described claim to be facing is students. of women the country take part in daily performs well in physical activity the GEI, it is still threatened by as the feeling of being Although Spain’s underperforming the slow eradication vegetables, 11% and eat sufficient fruits and areas and is important score may seem in various their privilege as of fewer than their high, the terparts. country has actually male counso where are Spanish to be aware of these, Women are not men. dropped five women thriving where are they struggling? places in the EU solutions for thegetting ‘more rights’ but and work ing, now standing rank- This domain looks at modern society. sexism that persists in women’s decision in 17th The improvement This becomes evident position. making power in political, of the country’s when we consider that almost 20% time This category looks score (+6.4) has social and economic been think inequality fewer men than women equal access to at of the main driversone still exists in the spheres. It seems that while country. ployment and emof Spain’s climb good Spain’s to fourth political are making it seemlaws and legislation working conditions place. equality has greatas women have more rights than men, well as the quantity This category ly advanced in for women is very the lived experience of women in full-time reers the amount considdifferent. cent years - women It is clear that work and the length Spanish women women spend of time account for 48% of their careers. perience high levels still excare, domestic doing of ministers, 42% of sexism in their Some daily lives. and social activities work employed in full time 14% fewer women are members of In my personal work com- standing ment and 46% of parliapared to men. experience, I am at 41% and 55% compared to men, regional warned not to walk respectively. still assemblies. On the career prospects Although Spain In the economic has im- indicator have been verballyhome alone at night, index, an EU wide proved sphere, 37% of directors of job quality, prosperity abused on Spain’s largest companies carry the burden in this area, women still rity, apps and been in and secu- Meanwhile, of care activities Spanish women catcalled while dating are women. mestic labour. own balcony. and do- men’s score 56 compared on my 57. to tral bank areboard members of Spain’s cenSome 41% of women Until women can split All of these statistics, care for family memHowever, in the 50/50. bers, elderly people is no doubt that live without fear, there world of sports and dicate that women’s though improved, in- story compared to 33% or those with disabilities, expectations Unfortunately, inequality still exists. TV, the couldn’t careers are to care for children. affected by Men representbe more different. Meanwhile, 64% of men. that remains init is unlikely the sexism 73% of decision A recent study of women do cooking Spanish society the country’s Olympic household cleaning makers in eradicated by laws. will be or Institute (INE) by Spain’s National Statistics sports organisations showed some 24% and more than their male everyday, some 20% aged A much deeper of women In the60% in publicly owned broadcasters. 24-49 with children counterparts. When it comes to required to makesocial intervention is domestic realm, resort to part-time work in social, leisure and women are still meaningful change, ing the effects of which will not create cultural parison order to care for their children in gender stereotypes, suffercom- oblige them to 4.7% of men. survey has uncovered.the backlash this which to sacrifice their free time and careers for their families.
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Your expat
voice in Spain
Photo by Maureen Evans
COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 5 Issue 109 www.theolivepress.es February 22nd - March 6th 2024
Mew-turn
A BRITISH expat has returned to feeding a feral cat colony after the local council lifted a ban following a report in the Olive Press. A sign appeared in early February at the entrance to the Salines Natural Park threatening fines of up to €600 if people fed the felines - even if they had official approval from the local council. Derek Hepple, 81, a former police officer who has spent the last five years feeding the cats, told the Olive Press: “I passed on a very forthright letter to our CER Gatos charity leader Marga Salmeron which she delivered to Santa Pola council. “I pulled no punches in my comments - not really caring what they thought as I'm an advanced cancer sufferer and don’t have ages to live.” Last week Marga got back to him with the great news that Derek and other approved volunteers can resume feeding without fear of penalties. “This is brilliant news but I don't 5 know why NEWS ding Spen the more council oul introduced the ban or why they changed t h e i r mind, alTaking root though Quids in! the negative publicity may have been a factor,” added Derek. The colony of around 30 cats appears to be still intact with Derek s! daily 6 ile planhis mob pleased be resuming ized to Supers am feeding sessions. Even February 8th - February
21st 2024
Cat-astrophe
heolivepress.es
has TORREVIEJA councilannual approved the biggest namely budget in its history €157.8 million. the Opposition groups, with Vox exception of the far-right Partido party, voted against the Popular authority's package. TorreThe leader of the Suena said vieja party, Pablo Samper, the that even though it was was the ‘highest’ budget ever, it least ‘supportive’. of €3 Samper said that a total from million had been slashed 10 social programmes. in Cuts included reductionspeofunds to help vulnerabletransthe Olive Press ple pay rents and school FINE: The cats and George and port subsidies. front page about Derek Finance councillor Dominic could be fined Paredes refuted the claims. ing area ing them
frustration Big-hearted expat’s ban at cat colony feeding
is By Alex Trelinski A BRITISH animal lover if s Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our readers... facing fines of up to €600 dentally. cats were carries on feeding stray er went missing he near his home on the “Most of the people who abandoned by 5 after sailing cats Blanca. and Menor in a sto- Costa police officer Der- just packed up the O LIVE Retired left,” Derek told ith friends. early enjoys 81, P RESS Hepple, Olive Press. s recovered Ivo’s ek Significant walks with his res- But now, the colony lead for Levi ys later with his morning route a on CHRISTMAS Markie dog has come under atgesting his death cue in the Salinas Salt Pola CHEER have been an ac- takingthat has a colony of tack from Santa Flats council with workers 30 cats. removing a number the he was scared of around despite comes of small huts and d would not have It big-hearted expat joining where I trees the cats lived in g voluntarily. volunteer feeding team small the put occupants were the getting an official per- and a series of bowls and containto the water but and from the Policia Local. food in,” continued Hepple. them. put up a huge o surviving off the mitalso means digging into ers left out for out and “They then anybody feedares coast, Ivo’s It own pocket to the tune “They have cleared feed- sign stating destroyed the whole not found until his€128 each month. of 5. ...our Christmas present to you; a 5 page skiing special
ll about
Sierra Nevada
WINTER WONDERLAND
13
Sierra Nevada
Cyprus
nights, 90 enjoying the mountain scenery, 958 70 80 food and fresh air, plus of
APRES SKI: Chilling in the resort
course a bit of mountain sport. One of the real joys though is seeing the snowy peaks first appear on the skyline and then loom in front as you drive from
Peak of good dining
WHERE TO EAT
Maps with 360° degree
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2022-2023
around Christmas. The Sierra Nevada has also got a reputation as being fun, with the apres ski being some of the best in Europe, once you know where to find it (tip: it’s mostly uphill). The resort started to develop rapidly from 1995 with the World Skiing Championship. “Since then the infrastructure changes were huge and it is now a big resort,” explains resort marketing boss Santiago Sevilla, who has worked there for nearly two decades.
The ticket office in Plaza Andalucia is fully digital and now has dozens of machines installed for credit cars and phone payments. A day’s skiing costs €33 to €57 at peak time, but normally about €45, while those in their 70s get free passes.
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Festive fun
view
MAGICAL: Three kings trudge up the slopes on January 5 be in most festive places to in he resort is one of the know it, as they arrive Spain, and the Spaniards and New Year. their droves for Christmas eve, when the Spa‘Nochebuena’ or Christmas a huge fafestive season with niards celebrate the of turron, is usually a sell out. mily meal and lashings or New Year’s Eve, where masMeanwhile ‘nochevieja’, countdown in Madrid’s iconic eve sive screens show the galore, is a riot. For theskis. on Puerta del Sol, with grapes the three kings duly arrive of the Reyes on Jan 5 arrival for Kids will love it. 6-14, also sees a mass Carnival, from February and snow-sport contests. the fancy dress competition
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958 70 80 90
THRILLSEEKERS: Get their kit off every year
solutions
WHERE TO
sierranevada.es
2022-2023
STAY
Snow dreams
AUTHENTIC: Kenia Nevada
The Sierra of reliable Nevada only has a handful hotels, writes Jon Clarke
I
T is hard to dollano as describe Pra Praan authentic clean, well run and mountain village. serves one of the best breakfasts up But, with a metre of snow Spain. in on the ground It also has nally out, it and the sun fi a gym and certainly has fi- with an in-house spa, charms. its and plenty masseur, There are eas, filled of communal arlots of places stay but easily to furniture. with charming old most charming one of the You be the authentic has got to and could also go upmarket splurge on Nevada, which Hotel Kenia wonderful one of the two Melia hotels, near the centreis well located in the heart right of town and open most The rooms of the resort. at the Melia Run by theof the year. Nevada Sierra dro – who friendly Don Pe Pe- renovatedhave been recently and the country as used to ski for the mium a youngster rooms have New Pre- it is on floors been built 7 and 8.
10 Solo, 12 8 Flagship, Idaho, 13 Learn, 9 And now for something16completely Dose, 17 Hosni, different! 14 Peal, 18 Edits, 23 Legality, 25 Stares, 26 20 Volt, 22 Seen, Exempt Down: 2 Igloo, 3 Rag doll, 4 6 Samoa, 7 Envious, Aah, 11 Bath salts,5 Happiness, 16 Divulge, 15 Element, 19 Inner, 21 Let up, 24 Gee
SPLURGE: At
PLAZA DE ANDALUCÍA, EDIF MONTEBAJO 2, SIERRA NEVADA
luxurious Melia
hotel
TEL: 610 896 014
Atmosphere
a Nearby, is Calambrito, equallovely space, with an faly good mix of Mexicanliked vourites. I particularly staff the tacos, while the were really attentive. Another place focussing Calle, just on burgers, La opened up last season.joint, Another great simple but with great home cooked food, is Telesilla Burger. first hostals in the 1960s. add to The historic photos the the atmosphere, while food heart-warming soul inis always excellent, and cludes stews and lentils. place Another excellent is overlooking the slopes has a Tia Maria, which and is good mix of dishes a great place for breakfast.
眀眀眀⸀琀椀琀漀氀甀椀最椀⸀挀漀洀
Continues on next page
(+34) 902
(+34) 902
E USIV EXCL
The T he
Sierra Nevada
A COLLECTION thrill seekersof Sierra Nevada’s bravest and for the last rush down the mountain silliest day
OP Puzzle
Across: 1 Sierra, 5 Hasten, Move,
Luciano (it can He and his brother Burger, with ular to see it in action in also run Muralla the kitchen coming up door, which serve up to 250 people sure almost next the best qualsome great ideas. one sitting), so make specialises in There are lots of vegetarian on the slopes. for you book in high season. options, which is raregreat Expect some of the best piz- ity burgers trying It’s hard to disagree which skiing resorts, and a burger, zas in the resort, generally section of sharing dishes, splendid Italian fare, while his ‘gourmet’ made from oxtail is easily is actually toro’ with a thin salads and soups. de Harira a stand out dish I really liked their moun- the squid-ink spaghetti with ‘rabo of cheese and mayonslice soup, from the Rif chick- prawns. and cooked in its own tains, a rich broth of and Looking for something a naise and infor- juice. peas, lamb, harina in- bit more creative run the The pair also run popular apricots, among other just off the mal, the pair also Tapas a Las Gondalasexcellent for gredients. and was hipper joint Tito The tostada section lovely few doors up, while a third slopes apres ski light bites, also enticing, with a num- restaurant is up in the mid- some drink or a beer. a hot avocado and anchovy and dle of the resort. Mexican? Then you ber, with watercress the Guaranteed to be full ev- Fancy spoilt for choice in wines by the are now cherry tomatoes from (vege- ery night, the the Pradollano. couple’s own huerta worth glass are excellent and Somewhere really table garden). tapas change regularly.make checking out is Canalla a thing Easily the most established new place set up by Ne- If meat is your La Muralla, brand fresh from six years restaurant in the Sierra run by sure to try out Gonza- Raul, vada is Tito Luigi, and run by Argentinian in London and with a two long term pals Luis runs lo Funes, whose steaks sit living good sense of taste. Xavi, whose brotheroff the pride of place in the window really use of space with an in A good Tia Maria cafe just below and are among the best excellent terrace just the slopes. two the resort. Kenia Nevada hotel, They can claim at leasthere The ‘tostas’ are also great the are dressed in utilitarguises, staff kings of Spain eating and music to and come in various of ian boiler outfits and the walls pay tribute London grime. while I loved the milhoja their esteemed clientele, foie gras and a courgette is distinctly the decent list of including various interna- carpaccio with fig sauce I loved and burritos, an tional film stars, bullfight- and the melt-in-the-mouth tacos ribs taco coming also stun- amazing ers and politicians. any bulls cheek is out steaming and delicious An absolute must for partic- ning. sweet sauce. stay in the resort, in
Open 7 days a week 12.00-16.00 & 20.00-24.00 Monday to Sunday Edf. Salvia s/n, Pradollano Plaza Andalucía, tel: 958 480 856 civediamosn@gmail.com FInd us on Google
Apres-ski
Quick Crossword
Designer SoALICE IN WONDERLAND:have brought nia and husband Nestor some magic to Confusion
English Ski & Snowboard Instructors
The Sierra Nevada’s most elegant restaurant
ed with queues for the lifts, although Christmas Day can often be relatively quiet, while on the day of the Reyes (January 6), almost all of the Spanish will be at home opening presents. Don’t forget to try and avoid Semana Blanca (literally ‘white week’) – or half term at the end of February – when school children learn to ski, and, of course, bank holidays can also be very busy. The main tip is to go up early at 8am to 9am before the Spanish get going or waiting till midday.
clothes to participants start take where drinks to the slopes into hand in their Pradollano and hedonism Budding nudists awaits. often get a ed ski pass discountficial page. if they sign up to the ofHowever, 500 people space is normally limited to best and mostand prizes are given to the outrageous One regular visitor to the outfits. lipe, is not expected to slopes, King Femer years he take part. In forChristmas normally drops in around time with friends right). (pictured
Sierra Nevada
Ci Vediamo
produces chef Esteban Silva twist Michelin trained dishes with a modern classic Italian style
While a modern resort, the main base at Pradollano is a nice spot to take in the air or a spot of lunch, and there are things for the kids to do, with entertainers and Disney figures wandering around, particularly
of the season. in swimsuits Next year, Food from five continents - Vegan and veggie dishes the unusual at Borreguiles - Great fordownhill families! event will where
Sierra Nevada is going
of food in the a PIPING hot raclette, a The quality Clarke as the resort, writes Jon burger and chips and to be up as rapidly tortilla with few tasty tapas used the an amazing Spanish with the basic offering inago. spaghetti of giant crayfish white truffle,” adds Stevie. restaurant, cheese was unbeatSierra Nevada two decades His other Japanese its fourth soup, ra- pecorino the Today a Moroccan Harira red tuna able after a hard morning on Shimbuya, now in to men and gyozas or a spicy year, goes from strength to be on the slopes. juices flow new chef, burrito are more likely grazing. “I arrange it so all the strength, adding a the making menu for your evening’s food has from the head and claws into who’s ‘spent 25 years Japan’. Just as the quality of over re- dish,” he explains, as he personsushi, many years in top. it is well gone up around Spain has hap- ally shaved the pecorino on A bit further up the hill and expect cent times, the same most fa- “It really adds to the flavour”. his worth seeking out and noodles pened in the country’s A tight ship run by Stevie some delicious gyozas, girlfriend Luna, their mous ski resort. and a cool vibe. in this im- Maitre’d California One of the trailblazerssnowboard wanderlust takes them around My top tip, go for the (to salmon provement is former swapped the world in summer time Roll with a king prawn, pro Stevie Silva, who of sharp the Far East and around Europe) and sesame seeds. focussing his board for a set ago now. tasting new dishes. Another couple reallyNestor and try knives, over a decadeon standing One of the best places totheir on creative food are opened A man never content restaurants their current favourites is after Sonia, who have just Confustill (and with three days), his new joint, Makalu, named the their first restaurant,after runmountain in in Pradollano these sion, in Pradollano is still the fifth highest China and Nepal. for five main joint Ci Vediamo world, bordering ning holiday apartments spot feels like a hard to beat. years. food’ and This hip literally to be difpop-up, While he dubs it ‘rebel here, Shoreditch You can tell it’s going decor outof a wall in the heart there is plenty of creativity ferent from the floral as likely carved out a sense the truth is you are just tempu- of the resort. side, while inside it hasthanks to and three to eat a simple soft crab Set up by Stevie of Alice in Wonderland, pasta. ‘fuskills ra or a superb bowl of is quality partners, it is focusing on the creative interior design of Asiatic, What he guarantees twists. sion cooking’, a mix of artist Sonia. to match and always a few nice deep-fried Basque and European dishes, Luckily, the food is ableits feet, it got This year I loved his and leeks around 12 in total. “We’ve and, while just finding team in ‘parcels’ of egg, bacon the mouth stuff like Ramen, some cuchahas a real international and (below) that melted in amazing ra (literally spoon) dishes in one bite, while an
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CREATIVE: Stevie at Ci Vediamo
sierranevada.es
958 70 80 90
of fun and excellent culinary fare, not to around Spain mention usually clement weather. (or fly to Malaga, Something of a rite of passage since a Granada or Gibralschool trip to the Alps as a teenager, my tar). itchy feet to strap on skis get more and The snow-capped more apparent as the month of Decem- peaks of Veleta ber inches closer to Christmas. and Mulhacen By mid-December the first heavy snows (mainland Spain’s of the year have normally fallen and the highest mounslopes are usually warm during the day tain) can be seen and with a fair few regulars actually ski- for miles around ing in t-shirts. and winding up Yes, while most winter sports fanatics will the steep, scenic be shivering in the Alps at Christmas or road to the top is struggling to see through fog in the Pyr- as exhilarating as enees, visitors to the Sierra Nevada will any drive in Spain, be sinking canas in the sunshine… and particularly on the SURPRISES: View approaching slopes while (right) a dog goes for a slide best of all at little over €2 a throw (or well sharp curves with steep drops. There will be up to 110 kms of pistes sea level. under half the price of the Alps). Run by an offshoot of the Junta “This is the nicest place in the world to dalucia, Cetursa has upped its de An- open at the peak, including the amazing Its highest peak, Mulski,” explains Luis Casanove, of Telemark considerably in recent years, game Laguna valley, for expert skiers, where hacen, is named after ski school, who has been wintering here increasingly automated in both getting the Netflix series about the infamous Moorish king Muley parking 1972 plane crash in the Andes was Hacen (Abdul Hassan for 35 years. “We offer the best weather and buying the ski passes (forfeits). filmed earlier this year (see Page 6) Ali), who is said to and the prices have hardly gone up in It’s easy to park right under the two main For snowboarders or jump-lovers years.” ski-lifts to the top and it costs around 20 your way to Superpark Sulayr, make have been buried at in the the top. And if you’re looking for something else euros a day. Loma de Dilar area, Europe’s largest The views from the highest to do en route, the magical architecture Most places to rent skis and boots, ski lift, at or freestyle park, with its giant 165 metre 3,300 metres, are among of Spain’s most visited monument, the snowboards, can be found within the best in Eu200m ‘half pipe’. rope, with the views across the MediterAlhambra, is just 30 minutes away, while of the car park. And then there is the famous ‘Rio’ run ranean to the fascinating region of the Alpujarras is Slopes-wide, new pistes are added most that leads right down to the resort of Pra- making thethe Rif mountains of Morocco the other side of the mountain. ocean look like a small pond. years, while the latest version of snow dollano, which sits at 2,100 metres. From here, decent skiers access the The well worn claim of being able to ‘ski cannons have been installed guaranteeamazing runs of the Laguna de las in the morning, sunbathe in the after- ing snow until, normally, early May. sierranevada.es 2022-2023 Yeguas valley, including the celebrated noon’ is perfectly possible… but that’s The season often kicks off in late NovemOlympic run with its many twists and not for me. I like getting up there for a few ber, but is normally getting properly going The geography of the area is simply stag- turns. by the ‘puente’ weekend of the Immacu- gering given it is on the same latitude as The sheer nature and landscape late Conception on December 8. Cyprus and just 30 miles from the beach- is stunning and you will sometimeshere find While this year the snow has arrived es of the Costa del Sol. yourself skiing alone here midweek if you late, frequently 40,000 skiers can rock Getting so much snow here up around this time, so better to come a with its altitude, which goes is all to do time your trip well. up to a stag- It definitely pays to pick your days with week later. gering 3,482 metres (11,423 feet) above Easter and Christmas frequently saturatPhotos by Jon Clarke
T was two decades ago that I looked out from a hillside near Ronda and spotted the distant snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada over 150 kilometres away. Like a giant white magnet I was immediately pulled in, seduced by the thrills of winter sports, right here on our doorstep. None of the hassle of flying to Geneva and a four-hour coach trip, or braving the big freeze in Glencoe, in Scotland, most of us on the costas are under a threehour drive to the winter wonderland of the Sierra Nevada. While entirely possible to do in a day trip from the Costa del Sol, take it from me you are missing out half of the fun if you don’t stay at least one night. This is rightly dubbed ‘southern Europe’s top skiing resort’ and naturally - it being Spain - with it comes the usual dollop
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Photos by Telemark
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The Sierra Nevada is the true icing on the cake of living in southern Spain, writes Jon Clarke
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www. melia.com
www. melia.com
Find out how to be a Christmas angel this year with our rundown of charities that need a helping hand
Your expat
voice in
Spain COSTA BLANCA SUR / MURCIA FREE Vol. 3 Issue 80 www.theolivepress.es December 15th - January 12th 2023
See page 6
By Anthony Piovesan
A PRIVATE investigator who worked with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is chasing ‘a significant lead’ in the missing Levi Davis case. Investigator Gavin Burrows volunteered to help track down the former X-Factor star and sent a team of detectives from his firm, Line of Inquiry, to Barcelona. His 12 agents have been working on rotation around the clock scouring the streets.
Odd
“We have a number of leads but one could be really significant we are following up,” Burrows, who has also worked with Elton John, told the Olive Press. “This is an odd case. He must have spoken to somebody when he came to Barcelona or arranged to meet somebody but that person has never come forward.” The 24-year-old Brit, who played rugby union for Bath, went missing on October 29 and has not been heard from since.
Brit gives lifeline to homeless septuagenarian expat and his dog as he shivers in winter storms
A BRITISH Good Samaritan may have saved the life of an elderly homeless man living with his dog in a freezing Civil War bunker. Retired policeman Derek Hepple, 80, came to the rescue of the Czech man, known as George, and his dog, Boba, a month ago. Derek, who lives by Santa Pola’s Tamarit beach, came across the 71-year-old on one of his daily coastline walks. Concerned about his safety as the weather deteriorated, he explored ways to help within the community. Now, after an urgent two-week search, he has managed to get George a bed at
EXCLUSIVE By Alex Trelinski
Elche Hospital, while his Portuguese Waterdog pet is being cared for by members of the Barkingside charity. “Nobody this old should be living like this, especially with the cold nights drawing in,” Derek told the Olive Press. “I hope he can find himself a permanent home in the new year.” Derek, who has a background of animal charity fundraising in his native North-East England, had been helping a group of abandoned cats close to George’s shelter for five years. It was on one of his regular 5am feeding visits so as not to attract the wrath of neighbours, that he came across the Czech man. He explained how he got a shock when a head sud-
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denly peeked out from underneath some blankets in the concrete bunker, which is like an igloo around 12 feet in diameter. While the language was quite a barrier, he got talking to him and discovered how he had been living in the area for some time, although police occasionally moved SAFE: Derek (left) hands Boba to charity helpers him on. “I went straight back to my nearby ing was soiled and wet,” he explained. apartment and returned with sand- But he also knew providing help was wiches and coffee for George, plus not going to solve the problem and he some dog food for Boba,” he explained. contacted Santa Pola’s social services. “Since then I made sure to make dai- Finally, council worker Marga Salmerly visits to feed both of them,” added on met with Derek to check out Derek. George’s living conditions. Meanwhile, Another former police- “She was appalled and phoned a docman, Richard tor before an ambulance arrived to Sparrow, provid- take him to hospital,” Derek said. ed a sleeping bag, Boba had apparently vanished but while a Span- thankfully was found on the beach a iard named Paco few days later. brought in some “He’s now in an animal sanctuary run extra food. by a friend of mine.” Despite living off Meanwhile, he picked up his belongjust an old age ings and gave some of the clothes, inpension, Der- cluding his precious Parka, a wash. ek’s generosity “All’s well that ends well I hope and I’m stretched to bring- really pleased that it’s all come good afing new socks, a ter nearly a month, thanks to Marga,” scarf, a hoodie, exclaimed Derek, who went through a and a hat. major operation in September and is “I had to do some- still recovering. thing because what he was wearOpinion Page 6
Tel: 952 147 834 See page 9
rrently cost residents around €6,000 per
TISH expat is earning han Spain’s Vice Presir ‘managing’ an urbaniof just 109 properties. n Hills has come une for paying himself 0-a-year - despite b being ‘voluntary’ lary-free’. now ‘at war’ with the ed residents of Torre eja, in Estepona (Malater his inflated pay pacas revealed. ot known if this includes
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Now a ‘large group’ of residents, many of them Brits and Irish, have taken Hills to court to prove his actions are ‘illegal’. his actions are “People are outraged, the rules,” extotally illegal and against Valadez, who is plained lawyer David representing the residents. Hills for The Olive Press has contacted
v a l i d
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Redkex-football managers Harry or the Irish napp and George Graham,who are also mafia clan, the Kinahans, said to be owners. more But it means he is earning Yolanda than Spain’s deputy leader Diaz, who pockets €79,415. himself from Hills allegedly exempted - which cupaying community fees
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€600,” he added. “Why didn’t the council try let us know first? OrIt is and find a solution. in disgusting that people let charge can do this and to 30 cats purposely starve on a big death. ELCHE is embarking “It appears there is nothing programme of tree planting apI can do about this.” head- which will see 1,000 treesyear. around the city this Derek first hit the on pear A wide variety of deciduous lines when he featured will be Olive the front cover of the when and perennial treesJapanese planted including Press two years ago, fig trees. the generous pensioner acacias and tree ‘pits’ will be Some 860 found a home for a homeliving created on pavements and less 71-year-old man shadpaved areas to improve near him. and and reduce pollution. to Czech expat Georgeliving ing The council has pledged his dog Boba were War plant at least 4,000 trees each in an abandoned Civil year through to 2027. bunker.
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The jury was made up of representatives of the institutions and mem career in the international and local artistic sector: Joan Subirats, Depu Barcelona City Council; Elsa Ibar, Director General of Cultural Heritag Catalunya; Ainhoa Grandes, president of the Fundació MACBA; María Carrillo de Albornoz, Director General of Fine Arts of the Ministry o president of the Association of French National Museums, Grand Palai Expats’ retirement dream ruined DREAM TURNED TO NIGHTMARE: Massive tax Fernandes, artistic director o the MACBA Advisory Committee; João by shock €11,200 tax bill dating paid on sale of their home has left John and Kathy back three decades Stephenson out of pocket
STITCH UP
A BRITISH couple’s retirement dreams have been shattered after their lawyers failed to pick up an ‘outstanding’ property tax that only emerged 26 years later. John Stephenson, 75, and wife Kathy, 78, are stunned that the ‘unfair’ €11,200 levy was applied last year. The ‘theft’ by the Hacienda tax authorities has nothing to do with them, they insist. It should have actually been paid by the previous owners of the three-bedroom property in 1996 - SEVENTEEN years before they bought it. But this didn’t stop the taxman deducting it from the €375,000 they received from the sale of the Costa del Sol home in May. The former estate agents - who closed their Marbella firm due to Covid in 2022 - had decided to downsize from San Pedro to Tarragona (Catalunya). They calculated the sale, p l u s other ALL YOUR LEGAL investISSUES DEALT WITH! ments,
Here to help with your life in Spain including wills, residency, tax returns, buying and selling property We speak your language! La Marquesa Commercial Centre, Office 4C, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales 03170 tel: 966 943 219 www.mylawyerinspain.com
By Walter Finch
would take care of them through retirement. However, the outstanding IBI (rates) bill from 1996 has left them ‘financially short’. They had bought the property in 2013 and hired a legal firm to do the conveyancing. “Our lawyers obviously didn’t do a proper job as they assured us there was no debt on the house, we made sure of that,” John told the Olive Press. “The money was meant to pay off our car loan and other debts. Instead, we are struggling to pay them - at an age when we should be enjoying our retirement. “When our lawyer gave us the news, I said there must be some mistake. In fact I was devastated by it.” His lawyer, Alvaro Moreno, of Armo Legal Services, admitted the case was ‘quite strange’. “Normally these things come to light when you’re going through with the purchase, but there was no mention of the debt on the title deed,” he told the Olive Press this week. The problem, he admitted, was that the outstandANGRY: John feels i n g betrayed by his lawyers debt
was only being posted on the official public buletin for Andalucia ‘at least once every four years’, meaning it stayed valid. It is normally the responsibility of the lawyer handling the sale - in this case Moreno’s former partner, Rafael Arevalo. But, it turns out Arevalo was not acting as John’s legal representative in the purchase. While an email chain seen by the Olive Press shows Arevalo acting as ‘Mr Stephenson’s Lawyer’, he oddly only signed the title deeds to the property as ‘a witness’. It was something John failed to pick up on at the time due to not knowing the Spanish word for ‘witness.’ And as a witness, it means Arevalo was ‘not liable’ for failing to find the outstanding charge. “If I’d wanted a witness, I could’ve got anyone off the street to do it,” insisted John. The Olive Press has been unable to get in See page 15 contact with Arevalo to clarify the situation and the ex partners at Armo Legal are ‘no longer on
Tel: 952 147 834 TM
speaking terms’. “This is totally unacceptable,” insisted well known property lawyer Antonio Flores, who runs Lawbird, in Marbella. He insisted it is completely up to Arevalo and Moreno to prove they correctly did the due diligence in 2013 - and not the other way round. “The lawyers have to prove they did everything right,” he said. “They have to show that they looked in all the right places. “They should’ve fought harder against this mystery tax bill. John and Kathy shouldn’t give up.” Opinion Page 6