Number 26 • Autumn 2005 Spanish lifestyle magazine for members of the Solbank Prestige Club Price 3 €

On Guard An Interview with Arturo Pérez Reverte The Rome of Spain A visit to Tarragona On the Catwalk A look at Spanish fashion Autumn 2005

02 LETTER FROM THE DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER Jaume Puig Balsells

02 SOLBANK NEWS Recent developments and an update from Spain’s leading bank on the coast

06 YOUR MONEY Financial advice from Solbank’s experts

08 YOUR MARKETS An inside look at the financial markets

10 THE BENEFITS OF RESIDENCY David Searl takes a look at the advantages of becoming a resident

0612 ON GUARD 30 An Interview with novelist Arturo Pérez Reverte

18 THE ROME OF SPAIN A visit to the city of Tarragona

24 SPANISH FASHION HEATS UP THE CATWALK A look at some top Spanish fashion designers

30 TOURING THE FRYING PAN A driving tour of the Frying Pan in Andalusia

34 SPAIN’S HIDDEN TREASURES Hotel Villa La Argentina

36 A CITY ROUND 12 Destination Golf: Barcelona 34 38 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Top Spanish Food Author Janet Mendel

40 A DAY IN OUR LIVES A personal look at the Solbank team

42 FOOD AND DRINK Edward Owen’s restaurant and wine guide

44 YOUR HEALTH The importance of sleep

46 LOCAL NEWS What’s on and what’s up on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, the Costa Brava and the Canary Islands 18 51 READERS’ PAGE 36 Prestige Club readers’ space to voice opinions and to share tips and other information

52 I’M GLAD YOU ASKED David Searl answers readers’ letters

Solbank Prestige Club Magazine DIrector: Alex Clayton. Edited: Tune In Magazine S.L. Editor: Guy Fiorita. Consultant: Edward Owen. Art Director: Javier López. Writers: David Baird, Sarah Andrews, Edward Owen, David Searl, Dee McMath, Peter Bott, Maribel Sellares, Arantxa Cases, Steven Guest, Matthew Arribas, Sam Aly. Photographers: Cover Photo: Julio González, Others: Jon Barandica, J.D. Dallet, Solbank Images, Edward Owen, Nature & Travel, Tenerife News, Solbank Images. All correspondence concerning Solbank Prestige Club Magazine should be sent to: Solbank Prestige Club Magazine, Calle Molino, 5. 28690 Brunete (Madrid). Spain. Tel: + 34 91 816 43 29. E-mail: [email protected] Print and Pre-Press: S.A. de Litografia.

Depósito Legal: GU-286/1999. Solbank Prestige Club Magazine is published quarterly and is distributed free to Solbank customers. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Solbank S.A. or Solbank Prestige Club Magazine, nor does the inclusion of any advertisement mean that the publisher endorses the company concerned or its products. No part of this magazine including texts, photographs and graphics may be reproduced in any way without prior 24 written consent of Solbank. We welcome comments and views about this or any other issue of Solbank Prestige Club. 44 Banco de Sabadell S.A. Solbank is registered Trade Mark of Banco de Sabadell S.A. 02 SOLBANK NEWS

Homes and Gardens Don’t miss the Homes & Gardens Show! The D. Jaume Puig Balsells biggest homes, gardens & lifestyle exhibition Deputy General Manager ever to take place on the Costa del Sol is com- Banco Sabadell Dear Reader, ing to Málaga! This will be the first exhibition on the coast where you can find everything you As summer comes to an end it is with great pleasure that I once again could possibly need for your Spanish home. address you on this page of Prestige Club Magazine. From hammocks to houses, affordable art to aromatherapy, house and garden furniture, While many things slow down during the summer months in Spain, we designer kitchens to luxury bathrooms, this here at Solbank have been busier than ever. Getting everything ready for show has it all! The exhibition will have hun- the launch of the new Solbank Higher Sterling Account has taken a lot dreds of exhibitors all there to offer advice and of our time. This new account has already generated immense interest help you to create your ultimate dream home. and participation is proving way beyond our projections. Everything you could possible need, all under one roof and even Sunday shopping! Come and The Solbank Higher Sterling Account represents our firm and continual meet the coast’s top providers of luxurious fab- commitment to offer you products that cover whatever banking needs rics, soft furnishings, curtains and blinds, you may have here in Spain. For those of you who want to keep your elaborate iron decoration, wide varieties of money in Sterling, this new account is definitely something I would rec- floor coverings, decking, spectacular lighting, ommend. Now, you can keep your money in Sterling and get a high rate stylish and contemporary outdoor kitchens of interest to boot! Find out more in the article in Your Money by Maribel and barbeques, and every conceivable acces- Sellares or from your local branch or through www.solbank.com. sory for the home. Want to know how to put it all together? We’ll even have highly experi- Of course, we have also been busy preparing yet another edition of enced top builders and technicians there to Prestige Club Magazine for you and this issue of Prestige magazine offer practical and realistic advice! offers plenty to keep the summer sun shining in your life. We take a What’s more you can get free expert advice in look at how Spanish fashion designers are heating up the catwalks and our interior design clinics, be astounded by I am especially proud to offer an interview with novelist Arturo Pérez the Andalucia’s best chef’s cooking up a storm Reverte, author of the famous Captain Alatriste series. in the celebrity kitchen and be pampered in the indulgence zone. All of us who have spent time in Spain know that the change of season Stunning show features include a spectacular here does not mean the same thing as it does in many of our home show home, beautiful show gardens, the best countries. The shift from summer to autumn is not as traumatic as it is home entertainment and home cinema sys- in a more northern country. Even so the end of summer does signal the tems, inspirational room sets and at last, you end of lounging on the beach and late evening dining under the stars. can discover original art at affordable prices! This, however, does not mean we can’t get out and enjoy the country. In this issue David Baird takes us on a drive through Andalusia’s Frying Dates: 30 September, 1 and 2 October Pan and we plan a round or two of golf in Barcelona. We also visit Place: Malaga Trade and Conference Centre Tarragona, often called The Rome of Spain and spend a night at a hid- Palacio de Congresos y Feria Málaga den treasure in a small town on the northern coast.

Finally I would like to point your attention to the Readers’ Page where in this edition we use the space to publish some of the entries to our first ever photographic competition. I am sure you’ll agree we have some talented people among our readers.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Prestige Club Magazine and look forward to addressing you again in our next issue. 03 SOLBANK NEWS

Back on Tour Social and cultural Although it seems like only yesterday we tournament held (18 June) on the 6,028- commitment started the Solbank Golf Tour, we are meter Golf Club La Sella course near now in our fifth year. The continued sup- Denia in the Costa Blanca. An amazing port and the sheer number of partici- turnout of 150 participants struggled it pants in these tournaments is sure proof out on the course under a gruelling the success and reputation we have summer sun. Others showed up to enjoy gained over this time. the “Fiesta de Golf” which consists of a In 2005, the Solbank Tour will consist of number of fun contests on the putting four tournaments, with three taking green, the driving range etc. For us, these are not only words. On Wednesday, 20 July, we had the pleasure to support the Golf Cancer Charity Day, which attracted more than 100 partici- pants to the Golf Bonalba Club at Muchamiel. With the aim of raising funds for the Asociación Española Contra el Cancer (Spanish Association against Cancer), the tourney was organised by the Costa Blanca Golf Society, an associ- ation of 63 British golfers, the majority of them living at the Costa Blanca. Under the presidency of Manolo de Garay the society arranges weekly competitions all over the Costa Blanca. As always, the Cancer Charity Day was a great success, with 2,662 euros collected. And on 26 June, Solbank sponsored a piano concert on the beautiful Canary Island of La Palma. The nearly 60 assis- tants not only enjoyed great music per- formed by Yukiko Akagi, graduate of the place in Andalusia and one in the Costa Both tournaments were individual Manhattan School of Music, but also Blanca. The first of the two tournaments Stableford contests with three male and the great atmosphere of the Hacienda before the summer break took place on one female category. Prizes where Tacande, a typical Canary Finca in the 28 May in the San Roque Golf Course, handed out by Aleix Masachs, Solbank middle of pure nature. Works from Bach, between Jerez de la Frontera and Business Manager, and the respective Beethoven, Albéniz, Chopin, Debussy Marbella, where the famous mild cli- area office managers Feliciano Naranjo and Liszt made up the programme of this mate made for a great day of golf. The 60 (San Roque) and Miguel Torres (La successful afternoon. The photo shows participants enjoyed a fantastic tourna- Sella). The next stop on the tour will take (from left to right) D. Alfonso Abbad rep- ment on the “Antiguo” course, one of place on 22 October in Club de Golf resenting the A.E.C.C., Manuel de Garay, Europe’s best par-72 rounds. We then Baviera, in Nerja, near Málaga. Good President of the Costa Blanca Golf moved a bit further north for the second luck and good golf! Society and Santiago Giner Glavañ, Solbank branch manager in El Campello.

Solbank Keeps Growing It is always a great pleasure for us to inform you about the opening of a new Solbank branch near you. This time, it’s the turn of Alhaurín de la Torre near Málaga, which opened its doors to the public in early June. And in September, three more branches will join us: Torrox, near Málaga, Ayamonte, our first branch at the Costa de la Luz (Huelva), and Benissa on the Costa Blanca. 04 SOLBANK NEWS

Happy Birthday Banco Sabadell incorporates the Hong Kong based company It was one year ago when we first creat- Sabadell Asia Trade Services Ltd. ed the PRESTIGE CARE ACCOUNT with After the recent inauguration of the second local representation office in China, Banco the aim to fulfil one of Solbank’s main Sabadell has now formalised the incorporation of the Hong Kong based company objectives: to make our customers’ life Sabadell Asia Trade Services Ltd, which will strengthen the bank’s presence in Asia. in Spain much easier. Now, one year Sabadell Asia Trade Services Ltd will enable Banco Sabadell to approach the major later, we are happy to see that many of Asian markets from a transactional viewpoint, with a positive effect on the management you are already enjoying the benefits. of business operations originated by customers in Spain and destined for the region. Hong Kong is one of the most important financial centres in the world. The Beijing So far the most solicited services are: office, inaugurated thirteen years ago, together with the recent opening of the office in Shanghai and the incorporation of the company in Hong Kong, thus consolidate • Translations. Banco Sabadell’s presence in China and ensures its capability to provide services to • Info 24. Spanish businesses with interests in Asia. • Legal assistance.

Remember you can take advantage of many other Prestige services such as: Domestic Care, connection of utilities, discounts at restaurants, hotels and car rentals, Doctor at home… For those of you who have a PRESTIGE CARE ACCOUNT and have still not used its services, we firmly encourage you to do so. Remember that whatever you need, you can now sort it out yourself by picking up the phone and dialling: Banc Sabadell opens its second office in China Thirteen years after opening its first local representation office in China, in the capi- + 34 902 363 885 tal Beijing, Banc Sabadell has inaugurated a second in the city of Shanghai, the cur- rent economic and financial capital of the country. At Solbank it is our aim to take care of In this way, Banco Sabadell strengthens its presence in China and consolidates its you and your loved ones. Thank you for role as a privileged intermediary for Spanish businessmen operating in this country. making this a very special first birthday! Banco Sabadell, which has been present in China since 1991, was one of the founders of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in China, an institution it presided over for several years, and it is also a sponsor of the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), the most important business school in Asia. In 2002 Banco Sabadell was cited as a model bank by the Central Bank of China, making it a reference point in the country today. The new office is located in Westgate Mall, 1038 Nanjing West Road, in the financial district of the Chinese metropolis. 06 YOUR MONEY

The Best of Both Worlds

AT SOLBANK OUR AIM IS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MONEY, THEREFORE WE HAVE CREATED YET ANOTHER ACCOUNT SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR YOU… THE SOLBANK HIGHER STERLING ACCOUNT.

By Maribel Sellares 07 YOUR MONEY

he Solbank Higher Sterling Account is one of the most No restrictions with your money Tuseful accounts on the market. It offers you all the advan- The same flexibility we offer when you make a deposit we also tages of a current account such as instant access to your offer when you want to withdraw money. Your money is free to money but with the benefits of high interest. go in or come out whenever you like.

The interest you earn in this account is more than you would obtain in the UK as you could earn up to a variable 4.10% No catches, no fees and no penalties Annual Equivalent Rate on savings every day, with a level of A straightforward current account with a high rate of interest flexibility, freedom, and security you simply won't find at many and free of maintenance charges. other banks. In other words, with Solbank Higher Sterling Account not only do you earn a high interest but you also have the benefits of a fully functional current account. No hassle It is quick and simple to open an account, and once you have Just take a look at what Solbank Higher Sterling Account opened your account, it is easy and hassle free to manage your offers you: funds either online, over the phone or visiting your branch.

You can transfer funds from your Higher Sterling Account to High rates on your current account your current account in Euros which you use to administer your domestic operations (the account where you have your direct Thresholds average Annual Equivalent payments and credit cards) with total ease and without having balance Rate (AER) to pay transfer commissions.

3,000 – 11,999.99 GBP 3,35 % (*)

Safe and secure 12,000 GBP and more 4,10 % (*) We use the most up to date levels of encryption technology available for our Solbank Online, making it a safe and secure way to manage your account. The more you have, the more you earn. No monthly deposit is needed and you don’t have a minimum requirement to open So now you can enjoy the benefits of keeping your money in the account. The only thing you should know is that if your Sterling while you earn more interest than if you keep your average quarterly balance is below £3,000 during that quarter savings in the UK. your Higher Sterling account will not earn you interest. However, once you are above this amount the new interest rate will be applied to the entire amount of your account from the very first pound.

Interest rates are revised quarterly and will vary in accordance with the 3-month Libor rate (London Interbank Offered Rate), in this way the earnings on your account will be adapted to the best market conditions at all times.

(*) The interest rates shown in the chart above are valid at the time of publication of this edition of the magazine and may be revised accord- ing to the evolution of the reference index detailed above. UP WHERE WE BELONG?

THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE STOCK MARKETS BETWEEN 15 MAY AND 22 JULY SEEMS TO CONFIRM OUR PREDIC- TIONS CONSIDERING THE FALLS OF THE PREVIOUS PERIOD AS A CONSOLIDATION. IS THE WAY FREE TO MOVE BACK TO THE LEVELS OF THE YEAR 2000? IT WILL HARDLY BE THAT EASY ESPECIALLY FOR THE EUROPEAN AND JAPANESE STOCK EXCHANGES, AS THEY ARE STILL BETWEEN 28% (IBEX 35) AND 46% (NIKKEI 225) AWAY FORM THIS OBJECTIVE. THE DOW JONES, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS ACTUALLY ONLY 10% BELOW THESE LEVELS, SO THE AIR IS GETTING THINNER. TAKING THIS INTO ACCOUNT, 5% UP IS NOT AT ALL A BAD PERFORMANCE, BUT

THIS TIME IT IS THE WORST OF THE FOUR COMPETITORS. By Peter Bott. Marketing Executive Solbank

Economic background quence partly of the higher crude oil ment. And finally, the investors’ expec- If there’s one thing we can learn from the prices, partly because of adjustments in tations on company results had been last few months it is that at present, no the currency markets. Here we have to reduced after generally pessimistic out- news seem bad enough to stop the stock mention especially the decision of the looks in the last report season. That markets on their way up: crude oil jump- Chinese government to let the Yuan float means that most of the companies were ing from all-time-high to all-time-high, against a selection of currencies since the able to beat these lowered expectations, inflation here, tortoise-speed growth end of July. The fixed exchange rate leading to a successful report season for there, interest rate raises in USA, defla- between the Dollar and Yuan was bad for the second quarter of 2005. tion in Japan – all these events had a neg- both of the countries involved: US indus- IBEX 35 ative impact that lasted only a few hours tries couldn’t compete with the cheap in the stock exchanges. If we add the imports from China, which increased the political situation, with nearly daily terror- adverse trade balance and finally led to ist attacks, the hardliner Ahmadineyad the imposition of import duties, and the (former mayor of Teheran) in Iran’s strong demand was one of the main caus- President’s Residence, the European es for overheating and inflation in the Union’s problem with its Constitution and Chinese economy. A higher Yuan might budget approval process, the optimism of act as a corrective in this scenario. the investors is really admirable. Second, the Dollar/Euro exchange rate The question is: where does it come from? is back to 1.20 $ per Euro, which leads to First, the danger of overheating and sub- better perspectives for the export-heavy sequent crash landing of economies like European economies. Third, liquidity China and the Latin America seems to remains high, and in spite of the interest fade away as their growth rates are slow- rate increases of the Fed, bonds are still ing down to acceptable rates, as a conse- not very attractive as alternative invest- 09 YOUR MARKETS

Ibex 35 of General Motors and Ford and finally Interest rates The consolidation of this index, and actu- the commercial conflict with China were Alan Greenspan maintains his policy of ally of all the indices we look at besides negative factors, the good news came 0.25% steps, and hence decided to fix the Dow Jones, ended on 17 May, at a level from the technological sector: Oracle and the rate at 3.25%. In his half yearly of 9,213.3. Since then, the index climbed Apple with results and outlooks above speech in parliament he pointed out that slowly but constantly towards the barrier expectations, and Hewlett Packard with the economic situation of the USA is of the 10,000 points, reaching a year’s an ambitious restructuring programme. “sustained growth and controlled infla- high at 10,045 points with the closing bell tion”, but only if the Fed goes on with of 19 July. Telefónica, Repsol and, last but DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE their smooth liquidity restriction. As the not least, Banco Sabadell, were some of economic growth in “Euro-land” is still the stocks that drove the market. weak, the European Central Bank has made no changes in the main rate, which keeps the level of 2% since June DJ Euro Stoxx 50 2003. Some experts even considered the For the second subsequent time, this index possibility of lower rates in Europe, but is our “winner”, the last time because it Monsieur Trichet discarded this hypoth- lost only 3%, this time because it earned esis immediately. With deflation back in nearly 10%. The positive performance of Japan, the Bank of Japan can only many companies of this index, like France increase liquidity by reducing the money Telecom, SAP or Novartis, but also a lot of reserves Japanese banks have to main- rumours about mergers and acquisitions, tain, but decided not to change the target. like the possible takeover of the German Hypovereinsbank by Unicredito Italiano, or of the Spanish Amena by France Telecom, Outlook were able to make investors forget the The scenario pointed out at the begin- weaker results reported by Nokia and ning of this article leads us to a cautious Carrefour, among others. Nikkei 225 optimism for all the markets in the next The Nikkei 225 followed nearly exactly few months. The overheated economies DJ EURO STOXX 50 the pattern of the two European indices: are cooling down, the stagnating after the end of the consolidation on 17 economies are recovering, that could May at 10,825.39 points, investors started end up in a convergence of, as Alan the next attempt to take the 12,000 points Greenspan said, “sustained growth and resistance, with an 8.9% increase in two controlled inflation”, and hence be a months, but then decided to stop tem- great basis for rising stock markets. But porarily on 20 July, at a level of 11,789.35. there are several risks which could Due to the 2% this index lost between 13 quickly change the situation. Maybe the and 17 May, the overall performance until most important question is: will the ter- 22 July is only +5,9%, from 11,049.11 to rorists reach their objective of spreading 11,695.05 points. panic and fear all over the world? Right now, it doesn’t seem to be that way, NIKKEI 225 because consumers still haven’t changed their long term behaviour, in other words: they might change their Dow Jones Industrial average vote, and they might not want to travel to The only index that escaped from the Sharm el Sheik, preferring to spend general uptrend this time was the Dow their holidays in the Highlands instead, Jones. After testing successfully the but they don’t stay at home, and they still 10,000 points support, it bounced back up take the Underground. If ongoing terror- to 10,623.07 on 17 June, but then started ist attacks are able to change that, then a three-week down move by 3.3%, we will be in real trouble, and not only in 10,270.68, on 6 July and by 22 July the stock markets. showed an overall performance of 5% for these two months. The difficult situation 10 LIVING IN SPAIN BECOMING A RESIDENT

GOOD REASONS FOR OBTAINING RESIDENCE

FOREIGNERS OFTEN THINK THAT TAKING OUT AN OFFICIAL RESIDENCE PERMIT IN SPAIN WILL COST THEM MONEY AND EXPOSE THEM TO SPANISH TAXES WHICH NON-RESIDENTS CAN AVOID. THE DESIRE TO KEEP A LOW PROFILE IS UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT THE TRUTH IS OFTEN THE REVERSE.

By David Searl

The Spanish resident property owner in particular has a number of tax advantages over the non-resident.

PENSIONERS FREE LOWER OF CAPITAL CAPITAL NO 5% DEPOSIT GAINS GAINS

If you are an official resident and 65 years If you are a resident, your maximum If you are a resident and you sell your of age or older,1 and you have lived in your capital gains2 tax is 15 per cent, and it can property,3 you are not subject to having home for three years, you will not be be even less, whereas the non-resident five per cent of the total purchase price subject to Spanish capital gains tax when pays 35 per cent. This applies at any age. withheld and deposited with Spain's tax you sell the property, no matter how The difference in the resident and non- agency as a guarantee against your tax great your profit. As a non-resident is resident rates arises from the fact that a liabilities. When a non-resident sells subject to capital gains tax of 35 per cent, resident pays his capital gains tax as property in Spain, the buyer pays him this can represent a major saving. In part of his normal Spanish income tax only 95 per cent of the price. The other today’s fast-rising Spanish property declaration for the fiscal year in which five per cent goes straight to the Tax market, we have all heard the stories of the sale takes place. His maximum tax is Agency, to make sure the non-resident people who bought five years ago for limited to 15 per cent and this applies to seller does not take all the money and 150,000 euros and are selling today at the sale of any property, not only his leave the country without paying his cap- 450,000 euros. Wouldn’t it be nice if you principal residence. ital gains tax. If this deposit of five per could keep all of the 300,000 euro profit cent is less than the total tax due, the instead of passing 100,000 euros of it to seller must file a form and pay the the Spanish tax man? Remember that remainder. If the deposit is more than the property must be your principal resi- the tax due, the seller can apply for a dence for the last three years. refund on the excess. 11 LIVING IN SPAIN BECOMING A RESIDENT

INHERITANCE NO FORM TAX 214 IT’S THE LAW REDUCTION TO FILE

If you are a resident when you die and you A non-resident is subject to two annual If you really live most of the year in Spain, bequeath4 your home to a spouse or child taxes on his5 property. These are the non- you are violating6 the law if you do not who is also a resident, you can probably resident property owner imputed income obtain a residence card. The law says that avoid Spanish inheritance tax on 95 per tax and “wealth tax”. A non-resident your tourist stay, even as a European cent of the valuation. The conditions are property owner is required to file form Union citizen, is limited to 180 days per that you have owned and lived in your 214 every year and pay his two taxes. year. If you exceed the limit, you can be home for a minimum of three years as a The imputed income tax attributes two fined 300 euros. If you are not an EU citi- resident. The inheritor must also be a res- per cent of the value of the property to the zen, you can even be expelled. If you are ident and must undertake not to sell the owner as if it were earned income. This concerned about Spanish income tax property for 10 years, while continuing to imaginary income is then taxed at 25 per once you are a resident, you will find it no be a resident. Unfortunately, the top limit cent, the non-resident rate. It is easier to worse than income tax in most countries, on the 95 per cent reduction is 120,000 think of it as one half of one per cent of the and less taxing than many nations. euros. This means that, if your property is value each year. The capital assets tax or worth 200,000 euros, inheritance tax will “wealth tax” is charged at two-tenths of be due on the excess of 80,000 euros. one per cent of the value. The resident Spain’s different autonomous regions, such gets two breaks here. First, the imputed as Valencia or Catalonia, administrate income tax does not apply to the owner's inheritance tax, so there are some varia- principal residence, so he pays nothing. tions from region to region. In Andalusia, For the wealth tax, a resident of Spain has for example, the exemption rises to 99.9 per an exemption on the first 108,000 euros of cent on the first 120,000 euros. any assets plus an exemption of 150,000 euros for his principal residence. This means a couple can each own half of a home worth 300,000 euros and pay no wealth tax at all. The non-resident pays from the first euro of valuation. Photography Julio González 13 INTERVIEW ARTURO PERÉZ REVERTE

ASK A SPANIARD TO NAME A FOOTBALLER AND THEY’LL SAY RAUL, BECKHAM OR MAYBE RONALDO. ASK FOR A FILM DIRECTOR AND YOU’LL GET ANYTHING FROM PEDRO ALMODÓVAR TO STEVEN SPIELBERG. ASK FOR THE NAME OF AN ARMY CAPTAIN, HOWEVER, AND THERE IS ONLY ONE ANSWER: CAPTAIN ALATRISTE, THE SWASH- BUCKLING HERO OF THE ADVENTURE SERIES WRITTEN BY ARTURO PÉREZ REVERTE.

By Guy Fiorita. Photography: Julio González and Jon Barandica ON GUARD An Interview with Novelist Arturo Pérez Reverte

n Spain Alatriste is a phenomenon only comparable to that of Harry Potter. Ever since the first book about the struggles of this down on his luck, swordsman for Ihire appeared in 1996, Alatriste has become a cult figure with over two million copies of the books sold in Spain alone and another 2 million sold internationally. Today, apart from the five Alatriste books, there are unofficial Alatriste websites, comic strips, board games, figurines and even various Alatriste Walks around Madrid and filming has just finished on a movie version starring Vigo Mortensen. Now the first book in the series has been translated into English. A handsome man with a close-cropped beard, the perpetual tan of a sailor and an ath- letic build, Arturo Pérez Reverte is a major celebrity in Spain. Born in Cartagena (1951) a small town on the Mediterranean coast, Reverte is the country’s best selling author. He first became popular for his work as a war correspondent on Spanish National Television and though he describes himself as “a sailor and a reader that became a writer by chance,” he has written 14 novels including The Flanders Panel, The Club Dumas and The Fencing Master, each ending up on the best seller lists in Spain. His books have been translated into 28 languages and there have been movie versions of a number of them including Roman Polanski’s, The Ninth Gate with Johnny Depp and Uncovered (The Flanders Panel) with Kate Beckinsale. Despite these successes, however, Reverte he will always be remembered as the man who gave us Captain Diego Alatriste y Tenorio. 14 INTERVIEW ARTURO PERÉZ REVERTE Photography: Jon Barandica Photography:

aptain Alatriste is an adventure novel foe. From the hard drinking, and harder fighting, set in Spain of the early 17th century – poet Francisco de Quevedo, to the kind-hearted Ca time when the mighty empire was innkeeper and ex-prostitute Caridad la Lebrijana, beginning to crumble due to a series of disas- to the dangerously beautiful Angelica de Alquezar trous wars and the rule of an inept and deca- and the feared Inquisitor Emilio Bocanegra, dent King, Felipe IV. After receiving a serious Reverte has created an intricate world, full of well- The result is a battle wound in Flanders, Captain Alatriste rounded characters. thinking man’s returns to Madrid to make his living as a Although Alatriste takes us on a thrilling ride adventure novel where swordsman for hire. Alatriste is at once brave, with a healthy dosage of swash and buckle, forthright and learned but also a bit of a wom- Reverte never intended it to be “just an adven- sword fights and tales aniser, a heavy drinker and an assassin willing ture.” “I wanted to pay homage to the great of derring-do are to kill for money. Or as Reverte himself puts it adventure writers I read in my youth like interspersed with “very politically incorrect” which, for most of Alexandre Dumas, Jules Verne and Daniel Defoe wonderful passages of us, is a great part of his charm. (there is a bit of each in the Alatriste series). Also In the first of the series, simply called Captain I had noticed that that there were things that I poetry and numerous Alatriste, in order to make ends meet, the good thought every European child should know and bits of historical and Captain accepts a commission to give a pair of that were not even being mentioned in school. cultural information. travellers a scare but it soon becomes clear that My daughter belongs to a generation in Spain, as this is no ordinary job and as the plot thickens, in France and England that is losing its historical Alatriste becomes involved in a thrilling politi- memory. History is taught less and less and is cal conspiracy that reaches all the way to the being replaced by classes considered more practi- courts of Europe. cal like computer science. So I decided to try to Told by his faithful young page Iñigo Balboa, do something to help my daughter’s generation Alatriste includes a colourful cast of friend and recuperate a liking for history,” he says. 16 INTERVIEW ARTURO PERÉZ REVERTE

the blood flows in Alatriste, it is a painful, often ugly ordeal. After 30 years as a war correspon- dent, his final three in Bosnia, Reverte has seen things that took the romance out of killing. “When Alatriste kills, he really kills,” says Reverte. “As a writer I have the dubious advan- tage of having seen horrible things. I under- stand violent acts, cruelty, pain and vengeance because I have lived it. So I am able to talk about throat cuttings and pillaging and other acts because I have seen them.” The experience gives Alatriste a frank realism and it allows Reverte to take a step back from his characters and therefore, although the cap- tain and his companions are a tough and ungainly group, he never passes judgement on their acts which makes the books all the more refreshing. “I know that under a certain set of circumstances any of us could be raping and pillaging tomorrow. That is why the good guys and bad guys in my books are always very ambiguous. There is no clearly defined line between good and evil in Alatriste because in real life the line doesn’t exist either,” he says. Much of the attraction of the Alatriste novels come from the setting. The Madrid of the early 17th century was a tough place of poverty, rats, mud filled streets, the stench of open sewers and someone waiting, blade in hand, around every corner. But was it really as tough as he makes out? “Yes, I have told it as it was. The Spaniard of the 17th century was violent and he result is a thinking man’s adventure proud. Even today the Spanish are a generous, novel where sword fights and tales of friendly and charming people but very violent Tderring-do are interspersed with won- when they get angry. Now imagine every His books have been derful passages of poetry and numerous bits of Spaniard carrying a sword and a dagger in his translated into 28 historical and cultural information. “The idea belt and you get the idea of what it was like.” is that the book should be fun and exciting but Even so, the Madrid of Alatriste has a certain languages and there also make the reader think. I wanted it to be a charm which makes the reader want to enter his have been movie reflection on the people who build empires, world, to take a seat at a table in the Tavern of versions of a number something I think can be understood very well the Turk and share a jug of wine with Alatriste, of them including in England or France. At that time the Spanish to listen to Quevedo recite his most recent Empire was the most powerful in the world, poem or to cross swords with the deadly Italian Roman Polanski’s, even the US today is nothing compared to killer Gualterio Malatesta. The Ninth Gate with Spain of the era and I wanted to write a story of The sixth book in the Alatriste series, The Johnny Depp and the men who went out to fight for the glory of Vengeance of Alquézar is due to be published in Uncovered (The the country only to be betrayed upon return by Spain in 2006. In 2007 another, tentatively inept Kings, corrupt politicians and religious titled “Mission in Paris” is also planned. After Flanders Panel) with fanatics. Alatriste is about the tragedy of the that we will have to wait and see. “There will be Kate Beckinsale. soldiers who built the empire. It is the tragedy eight to ten in total,” says Reverte. “That is if of the heroes.” I’m alive, healthy and still feel like it.” Lovers of Be warned, Alatriste may be an adventure, but great adventure everywhere can only hope for it is definitely not a sugary kid’s book. When all three. Photography: Julio González 18 DESTINATION TARRAGONA 19 DESTINATION TARRAGONA

THE ROME OF SPAIN THE CITY OF TARRAGONA IS LIKE AN OLD WAR HERO, SITTING BACK TELLING STORIES OF PAST GLORIES AND BATTLES TOO FAR REMOVED FROM ITS PRESENT STATE TO EVEN SEEM POSSIBLE. THESE DAYS THIS PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF 120,000 IS OFTEN HIDDEN UNDER THE SHADOW OF GLITZY BARCELONA -- JUST 75 KM UP THE COAST -- BUT IN ITS HEYDAY NEARLY 2,000 YEARS AGO, THE ROMAN CITY OF 'TARRACO' WAS A POWERFUL CAPITAL SECOND ONLY TO ROME ITSELF.

By Sarah Andrews

t the height of its glory, Tarragona boasted all the necessary ingredients for a city of its stature, with a sprawling circus and large amphitheatre, Atwo central forums to act as political and religious stages, and strong stone walls to protect it from the Barbarians. The city’s list of denizens was no less noteworthy; The Emperor Augustus called Tarraco home for a time, as did Pontius Pilate (who was born here) and other Roman notables. No city better deserves the tag of outdoor museum than Tarragona, and getting a taste of its long and storied history is as easy as taking a stroll through the city. Start your stroll in the lower part of Tarragona, where you’ll find the main Forum, once the centre of Tarraco’s economic life. Today the Forum consists of a few waist-high columns and lots of low stone foundations, meaning that you need an active imagination to envision this grassy plaza as it was: a busy plaza home to Tarraco’s main temple and surrounded by numerous shops and businesses.

ᮤ Amphitheatre 20 DESTINATION TARRAGONA

ead next to the Roman amphitheatre, a grand ellipse with the Mediterranean HSea as a spectacular backdrop. The amphitheatre’s floor is laced with tunnels and corridors that were used for gladiators and fero- cious animals; these tunnels would have been covered with a wooden floor and trap doors. In 259 AD the amphitheatre was the site of a grue- some martyrdom when the bishop Fructousus and his two deacons were burned alive. Later a small basilica was built in their honour in the middle of the amphitheatre; the basilica’s foun- dation is still clearly visible.

Near the amphitheatre is the Roman Circus, ᮡ El Puente del Diablo (The Devil's Bridge) Pretori and Amphitheatre ᮣ which was used for chariot races and originally measured an impressive 290 by 115 metres. Although only a small portion remains visible, this is one of the best-preserved circuses of the Roman world. The most interesting aspect is the underground tunnel, which would have led patrons to the now-crumbling stone bleachers in a layout remarkably like the ones we use today. Also worthwhile is the view from the top of the Pretori, a defense tower connected to the circus ruins. The magic of Tarragona lies in part in the mix- ture of modern life with the ancient world, and nowhere is that more visible than in the area surrounding the Roman wall, in the northern- most corner of the old city. A full kilometer of this third-century wall has survived, and today apartments and offices are built against these ancient stones. At the end of the wall a low stone archway, once one of the city’s main gates, now sees traffic pass under it all day long, and some of the beautiful mosaic streets laid out by ᮡ Sarcophagus of Hipolitus Archeological Museum ᮢ the Romans still follow their old paths, only now they’re filled with the shrill whine of motos instead of the rumble of carts. Elsewhere in the city stones carefully cut by Roman masons can be spotted on newer buildings, a result of the looting that went on for centuries as constructions like the Circus and the Amphitheatre fell into disuse and became open rock quarries. The results of the looting are especially obvious in Tarragona’s lovely cathedral, which uses some Roman stones in its Romanesque 12th-to-13th-centu- ry construction. Once you’ve explored the city’s ancient history, turn your attention to modern Tarragona. This bustling commercial centre is one of Catalonia’s most important economic engines, and its centre is packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants. The magic of Tarragona lies in part in the mixture of modern life with the ancient world… 22 DESTINATION TARRAGONA

WHERE TO STAY he Rambla Vella marks the division between historic Tarragona and the straight, well- planned streets of the modern city. The main thoroughfare of new Tarragona is the Rambla Imperial Tarraco Nova, the city’s stateliest boulevard and its premier strolling ground. Fountains and sculp- Passeig Palmeres T Tel: +34 977 233 040 tures are lined along the pedestrian walkway that runs down the Rambla’s centre, and a few well- www.husa.es placed benches provide the perfect place to contemplate the artwork in peace. The Rambla and the Tarragona’s best hotel offers lovely views of the streets form one of Tarragona’s best shopping areas. Mediterranean and the city’s The highlight of the Rambla Nova is the Balcón del Mediterráneo (“Balcony of the Mediterranean”), ancient Roman ruins. Rooms a glorious plaza looking out over the Sea. This is where locals come to meet up with friends, have a from € 75. drink before heading home, or simply to look out over their beautiful city and the glistening blue Hotel Plaça de la Font Mediterranean beyond it. The view from this “balcony” is one of the things Tarragoneses prize most Plaça de la Font 26 about their city, and with its vantage point above the sea, a long golden beach, palm trees and small Tel: +34 977 246 134 www.hotelpdelafont.com stone houses of the old city it’s not hard to see why. Locals say it brings good luck to touch the long A quaint two-starred hotel iron railing that runs along the Balcón. overlooking the busy Plaça de la Tarragona may be best known for its Roman heritage, but just as popular with visitors are the golden Font, this is a great spot if you want to be in the centre of the beaches that surround it. As the capital of the “Costa Daurada”, Tarragona is within a short drive of action. Spic-n-span rooms from countless popular resort beaches, but right here in town you’ll also find clean, sandy beaches. Closest to € 50. the old quarter is the busy Platja del Miracle, but if you head northeast up the coast you’ll soon come across wider and cleaner beaches, like the Platja de l’Arrabassada, connected to the city by bus. WHERE TO EAT

Restaurante Les Voltes C/ Trinquet Vell 12 Tel: +34 977 230 651 Les Voltes sits under the ancient vaults of the Roman Circus and serves up mouth-watering Catalan fare At midday there’s an excellent set-priced lunch for only € 9.50.

Merlot C/ Cavallers 6 Tel: +34 977 0652 This elegant restaurant is one of the very best in Tarragona. The wine list is mammoth, and dishes are creative versions of classic Catalan fare.

Cal Joan C/ Espinach 2 Tel: +34 977 219 223 Like nearly all the restaurants down by the fishermen’s port (in ᮡ Tarragona by night ᮢ Roman Forum a quarter called “Serrallo”), Cal Joan is known for exquisite and unbelievably fresh seafood.

Sarah Andrews is a freelance writer based in Barcelona. She visits the “Rome of Spain” often, most recently to write "Traveller's Catalonia" for Thomas Cook Publishing. 24 PRESTIGE PRODUCT CERAMICS

ᮡ Amaya Arzuaga Josep Font ᮢ ᮡ Antonio Miro Vitorio & Lucchino ᮢ 25 SPANISH PRESTIGE PRODUCT CERAMICS FASHION HEATS UP THE CATWALK

BLAME IT ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

SEA, THE SPANISH SUNSHINE OR THE CREATIVITY-

BOOSTING EFFECTS OF SPANISH WINE. WHATEVER THE

CAUSE, THE TREND IS CLEAR: SPAIN IS FAST BECOMING

ONE OF EUROPE'S MOST EXCITING FASHION CENTRES.

ALTHOUGH FRANCE AND ITALY STILL HOLD THE CROWNS

AS QUEENS OF FASHION, SPAIN IS GAINING GROUND WITH ᮡ Loewe Pertegaz ᮢ THE INTENSELY CREATIVE -- AND INCREASINGLY

INTERNATIONAL -- LOOKS OF DESIGNERS LIKE AMAYA

ARZUAGA, JOSEP FONT AND VICTORIO & LUCCHINO.

IT'S TAKEN THE REST OF THE WORLD TOO LONG TO WAKE

UP TO THE CREATIVITY RUNNING LOOSE IN SPAIN, BUT THE

SPANIARDS THEMSELVES HAVE KNOWN ABOUT IT FOR

YEARS, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN A LITTLE TOO GOOD AT

KEEPING THE SECRET. BOTH BARCELONA'S FASHION

WEEK, THE PASARELA GAUDÍ, AND ITS COUNTERPART IN

MADRID, CIBELES, HAVE BEEN GOING STRONG BI-

ANNUALLY FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS. YET ONLY IN RECENT

YEARS HAVE SPANISH DESIGNERS' COLLECTIONS BEEN

WIDELY AVAILABLE ABROAD. THANKS TO CONSISTENT

DESIGN QUALITY AND TO A STRONGER PUSH IN THE

INTERNATIONAL MARKET, SPAIN IS EARNING A

REPUTATION AS A MAJOR FASHION CONTENDER. THESE SIX

DESIGNERS ARE PROOF.

By Sarah Andrews 27 PRESTIGE PRODUCT FASHION

Antonio Miro A cool, urban style marks the work of Barcelona designer Antonio Miro. An established icon on the Spanish fashion scene, Miro opened his first stores, called “Groc”, in the 1970s, and has been recognized as one of Spain’s top designers ever since. Though his collections are shown on European catwalks, and his men’s and women’s wear is found as far afield as Japan, Antonio Miro’s fashions retain a distinctly Mediterranean air, with a heavy reliance on cool, comfortable cotton fabrics, and an unfussy, easy-to-wear style. His men’s accessories line of leather wallets, belts and shoes, is a standout. More at www.antoniomiro.es

Amaya Arzuaga With 515 sales outlets abroad, stints in the London Fashion week, and a spot on Milan's catwalk since 2003, bold designer Amaya Arzuaga is one of the most international faces in Spanish fashion. She describes her signature look as “a play on asymme- try” and “simplicity with very little frippery”, which translates into lots of geometric shapes, intense colours and a unique but wearable urban style. The extensive Amaya Arzuaga line includes fashions for men and women, accessories, swimwear, home designs and even a party collection. So much diversity helps her “avoid inertia”, the designer says. More at www.amayaarzuaga.com Loewe Spain’s most luxurious fashion label, Loewe, began life in 1846 as a small leather workshop owned by a German immigrant in Madrid. Fast forward a hundred and fifty years, and Loewe has become infinitely more glamorous, though the brand’s signature is still its fine leather handbags, shoes and accessories. With shops all over the globe, Loewe has a strong international presence, though its roots and its style are undeniably Spanish, a trait that’s only enforced by young new creative director José Enrique Oña Selfa. Designs that manage to be both passionate and refined are the trademark of this Spaniard who grew up in Belgium. More at www.loewe.com

Josep Font Flowery, fanciful and above all feminine styles mark the designs of Barcelona-based Josep Font, a young designer who has quick- ly earned the reputation as one of the most creative minds on Spain’s fashion scene. Josep Font product lines run the gamut from women’s wear to footwear, bags, jewellery (with Spanish jeweller Durán), and home furnishings (with famed Spanish designer Óscar Tusquets). His new Paris boutique, opened in 2004, has been warmly received, opening the door for this ambi- tious designer to take his fashions even further afield. More at www.josepfont.com 29 PRESTIGE PRODUCT FASHION

Pertegaz One of the fathers of modern-day Spanish fashion, Manuel Pertegaz was already making a big splash on the international fashion scene in the 1940s and 50s, when he presented his fash- ions in Paris and New York. He was hand picked to succeed Christian Dior at the French designer’s death, but Pertegaz turned down the offer, choosing to concentrate on his own label. These days Pertegaz is known for his classic, yet never old-fash- ioned, elegance. He has been showered with accolades through- out his career, but one of Pertegaz’s best moments came in 2004, when the 86-year-old designer was cho- sen to design the wedding gown for Spain’s Princess Letizia. More at www.m-pertegaz.com

Vitorio & Lucchino There’s no mistaking Victorio & Lucchino for anything other than what it is: a design duo with its roots firmly in Southern Spain, the land that’s inspired their creations for the past 25 years. Frills and flounces, lace and embroidery, gypsy style and sultry cuts are the hallmarks of a label known in Spain and abroad for its high-end women’s fashions, fragrances, bridal wear, accessories, children’s clothing and specialty designs (which include a Motorola telephone and Nestle chocolate boxes). “Andalusia is the heart and soul of our collection. Our fashions seek to dress a woman so she can dazzle, flaunt what she has and look elegant to boot,” the designers say. 30 DRIVING TOUR ANDALUSIA

Écija ᮣ

TOURING THE FRYING PAN SUMMER IS OVER AND IN THE FRYING PAN OF ANDALUSIA A MELLOW LIGHT PERVADES THE ROLLING LANDSCAPE, THE EVENINGS ARE COOL AND THE SEASON OF LONG SIESTAS IS OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR. IN OTHER WORDS, IT’S AN IDEAL TIME TO VISIT LA CAMPIÑA, A REGION OF VAST ESTATES AND HISTORIC TOWNS. IT COVERS THE EASTERN PART OF SEVILLE PROVINCE, SOUTH OF THE GUADALQUIVIR RIVER, AND EXTENDS INTO NEIGHBOURING CÓRDOBA PROVINCE.

By David Baird. Photography David Baird

n summer you understand why they call it the Sartén de Andalucía, the frying pan of Andalusia. Temperatures soar to 45, or even 50, degrees celsius. Farmers start work at 6am and Iretire to the shade by midday. The towns sizzle — and slumber. But autumn is another matter. The harvest is in and the countryside is a mixture of browns and green shades as the first rains after parched months encourage fresh growth. An occasional hunter paces along with his dog in search of hare, rabbit, or wildfowl. If you are driving from the Costa del Sol, follow the Seville signs north from Málaga, bypass Antequera and head west along the A92. You pass the village of Fuente de Piedra. Nearby is a large lake which, with the Camargue in France, ranks as Europe’s most important breeding area for flamingoes. Best time to visit: spring and early summer. The A92 enters Seville province and soon the striking silhouette of Estepa appears above the olive groves and ploughed fields. An old refrain warns: “Si llevas dinero a Estepa, que ni el alcalde lo sepa (If you take money to Estepa, keep it quiet - even from the mayor).” Today's friendly inhabitants take this calumny in their stride. They gained fame for their heroism in ancient times when they fiercely resisted the all- conquering Romans. When finally, in 27 BC, the Romans swarmed into “Ostippo”, as it was known, the residents set fire to their town and died in the flames rather than go into slavery. Estepa (pop. 12,000) represents paradise to Spanish children. Towards Christmas, the air is heavy with the scent of the tons of traditional crumbly sweets — mantecados, roscos and polvorones — produced locally. Factories will be going full blast and will try to lure you inside to sample and buy boxes of the different types available. 31 DRIVING TOUR ANDALUSIA 32 DRIVING TOUR ANDALUSIA

Storks sunning on bell tower in Écija Horses form part of the Andalasian scenery

WHAT TO SEE pposite the town hall, on the than 50 titles and vast land holdings. Écija Plaza del Carmen, your eyes Their patronage enriched Osuna with Palacio de Peñaflor. Curved facade with will be dazzled by the Baroque architectural treasures and there are many frescos; Archeological Museum, Palacio de O Benamejí,18th-century palace; Cámara facade of the Carmen church. Climb up fine mansions, particularly on Calle San Oscura, nuns sell cakes; Santa María, through the old part of town, with its Pedro. The first duke's father founded a Santiago, Santa Cruz churches, open morning and evening daily. close-packed whitewashed houses, tiled university in 1549. Now the building, roofs and ironwork balconies. A complex standing above the town, accommodates Estepa Santa María church, with adjoining keep of convents and churches crown the a secondary school. The Colegiata de (Torre del Homenaje), founded in 14th heights above ancient walls. Santa María de la Asunción nearby is a century; Torre de la Victoria, ask for key at Museo Archeológico; Carmen church, fine The 16th-century Santa Clara convent magnificent Renaissance church com- Baroque facade; Museo del Mantecado, open has a beautiful patio. Knock on the con- plete with columned patio, Mudejar ceil- Sept-Dec (inquire at tourism office), shows vent door if you wish to buy delicious ings and five paintings by Ribera. A life- manufacture of sweets. cakes made by the nuns. The fortress-like sized polychrome statue of the Virgin and Osuna Santa María de la Asunción. Guided visits. Santa María church next door, built on Child holds a secret: the stomach hinges 16th-century Renaissance architecture; the site of a mosque, has a 15th-century open to reveal a storage place for the host. La Encarnación monastery. Guided visits; Gothic interior. Just below is the Balcony Beneath the church is a pantheon, still in Old University, 16th century; Museo Archeológico, Plaza de la Duquesa. of Andalusia, a great viewing point for the use by the Osuna family. The museum of patchwork panorama of La Campiña and the 16th century Monastery de la WHERE TO STAY the roofs and steeples of Estepa, including Encarnación, just below the Colegiata, Écija close at hand the elegant, free-standing has many religious treasures, included Palacio de los Granados, Emilio Castelar, 42. 50-metres-high Torre de la Victoria, a polychrome carvings and rich brocades Tel. 955 90 10 50. Splendid old mansion. national monument. made by the resident nuns. Estepa Manantial de Roya, Paseo de Roya. Just 24 kilometres west of Estepa along Typical local dishes are stews and “ardo- Tel. 653 92 44 56. Small hotel by a spring the A92 lies Osuna (pop. 18,000), a ria”, a type of salmorejo (made of bread, 2km from town. showplace of past grandeur. Old palaces olive oil, vinegar, tomato and salt and Marchena with noble facades dot the streets. They served cold). Hospedería Santa María, Convento Purísima Concepción, Palacio Ducal, 9. Tel. 954 84 39 83. date from the times when the Dukes of Driving due north to Écija on the A351, Accommodation in convent founded 1624. Osuna ruled supreme, accumulating more you pass undulating farmland where sun- 33 DRIVING TOUR ANDALUSIA

Panoramic view of Estepa Guadalquivir River with Almodovar Castle in the background flowers, wheat, oranges and olives flour- Normally, the adjacent Plaza de España, Osuna ish. Herds of horses belonging to the mil- known as El Salón (the lounge) is a Palacio Marqués de la Gomera, San Pedro, 20. Tel. 954 81 22 23. itary graze in the area. Now you’re in the favourite spot for strolling, but an archeo- Luxury hotel in converted 18th-century palace. centre of the Frying Pan. On its coat of logical dig has closed it. Roman remains Palma del Río arms, Écija (pop. 35,000), on the Genil and a Moorish cemetery have been discov- Hospedería San Francisco, river, declares itself the “City of the Sun ered. Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Avda. Pio XII, 35. Tel: 957 71 01 83. Converted monastery. — there is only one”. Temperatures in Moors all left a mark, but most of the summer, when the three ice cream facto- town’s monuments date from the prosper- WHERE TO EAT ries work overtime, are even higher than ous 18th century. To the north, fields of Écija those in Seville. cotton border the Guadalquivir river. Near Bodegón del Gallego, Arcipreste Aparicio, 3. Tel: 954 83 26 18. Galician-style restaurant. Écija is on the Via Augusta and among the treasures left by Fresh seafood. Wood oven. Osuna the Romans is a seven-metre mosaic from the 2nd century AD. Palacio Marqués de la Gomera, San Pedro, 20. Tel. 954 81 22 23. First test for a newcomer is to pronounce the river (32 kilometres from Écija via the Mediterranean cuisine. the name, a tongue-twister for Anglo- A453) stands Palma del Río, birthplace of Palma del Río Hospedería San Francisco. Saxons. Say it “Eth-eeha”, with the empha- bullfighter El Cordobés. Here a pleasant Avda. Pio XII, 35. Tel: 957 71 01 83. sis on the first syllable. Storks wheel about spot to overnight is the Hospedería San Andalusian and Basque dishes. the 11 towers and 15 tiled belfries of the Francisco, a stylishly converted 16th-cen- TOURISM OFFICES many churches, each with its art treasures. tury monastery. The restaurant serves some Not for nothing is Écija known as the of the finest food in the region. Écija Ayuntamiento, Plaza de España. “City of Towers”. Écija is on the Via Tel. 955 90 29 33. www.ecija.org Augusta and among the treasures left by Estepa the Romans is a seven-metre mosaic from Casa de Cultura, Saladillo, 12. Tel. 954 91 27 71. the 2nd century AD. It can be seen, Osuna Plaza Mayor. Tel. 954 81 57 32. beneath a 15th-century coffered ceiling, in the impressive town council chamber. To Palma del Río Cardenal Portocarrero, s/n. Tel. 957 64 43 70. view it, ask in the tourist office. 34 SPAIN’S HIDDEN TREASURES HOTEL VILLA LA ARGENTINA

NORTHERN EXPOSURE SET JUST OUTSIDE THE QUAINT FISHING VILLAGE OF LUARCA ON SPAIN’S NORTHERN COAST, HOTEL VILLA LA

ARGENTINA OFFERS THE TRAVELLER THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDOURS OF A TURN OF THE

CENTURY COLONIAL MANSION.

By Samuel Aznar

he second half of the 19th centu- land bringing with them sacks full of 1899 by Manuel García Fernández upon ry saw a wave of Spanish emi- money and a liking for the colonial archi- his return after years in Argentina (obvi- Tgrants leave rural areas in the tectural style found in their adopted ously) where he made his fortune in the north, especially Galicia and to a lesser homes. Upon return they set about build- sugar industry. extent Asturias, and head to the New ing palace houses in which to pass their Today the house has been lovingly World in search of their fortunes. Most, golden years in opulence as a constant restored and converted into a 12-room of course, found little more than new reminder to their neighbours of what they hotel. Situated in a residential area of miseries in a new land, but others made had achieved abroad. The landscape in Luarca, in an area full of Indianos, Villa La good on their dreams finding riches Asturias is dotted with their homes which Argentina is a listed Cultural Heritage unheard of in their home country. have come to be called Indianos. Building. The Belle Époque interiors offer After a long and prosperous life abroad, This, in a nutshell, is the story behind a cosy lounge complete with fireplace, a many made their way back to the mother- Villa La Argentina, an Indiano built in charming library, a billiards room, a games 35 SPAIN’S HIDDEN TREASURES HOTEL VILLA LA ARGENTINA

Hotel Villa La Argentina ૽૽ Villar de Luarca 33700 Luarca Asturias Tel: +34 985 640 102 Fax: +34 985 640 973 Email: [email protected] Website: www.villalaargentina.com

Activities The hotel can arrange bike rentals and horse riding excur- sions, scuba diving, snorkelling or four x four routes. The nearby town of Luarca is one of the most beautiful fishing villages in room and a period chapel. Outside the hotel is The old coach house in the garden has been Spain and offers great fresh fish surrounded by immaculate gardens with a cen- converted into a charming restaurant, shaded by restaurants. The northern coast tral fountain and swimming pool and even palms and exotic shrubs. is dotted with fishing villages and numerous beaches. Hiking sequoia trees. Make no mistake. Villa La Argentina is not a and climbing in the Picos de Each room is individually decorated in a style five-star luxury hotel. There is no air condition- Europa is also only a half hour fitting the period and comes equipped with ing, the floors creak and there is not 24-hour drive away. television, hair dryers, central heating, fully room service. What you do get is the chance to remodelled bathrooms and plenty of wardrobe immerse yourself in the charm of a bygone era space. All have plenty of natural light, some and enjoy exceedingly friendly service in one of with small balconies and many come with gar- the most picturesque places in Spain. And that den views. Three of the rooms, called “special makes it well worth being discovered. doubles” have whirlpool tubs. 36 DESTINATION GOLF BARCELONA

A CITY ROUND: GOLF IN BARCELONA IT MAY NOT BE THE FIRST THING f course we know that Barcelona is much more than a golf destination. In fact THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU very few visitors to the city even consider taking time out for a round of golf. Another added problem is the fact that squeezing in a round of golf on a busi- THINK OF BARCELONA BUT FOR O ness or pleasure trip in a city like Barcelona is not always easy. Many of the courses THOSE LOOKING FOR A GAME, THE around large cities in Spain are strictly private, too far away or terribly over crowded. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. In Barcelona, those with a few hours to CITY DOES OFFER THE spare and a willingness to leave the call of the city behind can add a great round of golf OPPORTUNITY TO SQUEEZE IN A to a hectic business or sightseeing trip. GREAT ROUND OF GOLF. Unfortunately some of the area’s best courses do fall in the category of private, members only golf clubs. This is true of El Prat and San Cugat, two of the area’s oldest and most By Gaetano Aly venerable golf clubs. Don’t despair, however, there are some great courses in the area that are open to the public. This time we will leave the choice of accommodation up to you. The city has a myriad of hotels that are sure to offer you something that suits your needs and adjusts to your budget. Moving right to the course then, we have chosen three that can be easily reached from any hotel in the city and all are sure to offer something worth leaving the charms of Barcelona, at least for a few hours. 37 DESTINATION GOLF BARCELONA

offers players a fun round of round of golf which traditionally includes golf in a marvellous setting carrying your own clubs or pulling with fantastic views of the your own trolley. nearby sea. Like all Seve Ballesteros Although this is not a very designed golf cours- long course, it is by no means es, the 18th fair- easy. There are plenty of traps a way is marked by player must be aware of like tight his appropriately out-of-bounds, well placed bunkers, named signature numerous trees and long roughs. The bunker, a big big hitters among you will need to hold “S” shaped sand back on many holes. Accuracy is a must as trap that waits to anything off the fairways will be disas- trap players on the Masia Bach trous and you will either find yourself in a right side of the final Opened in 1990, the 27-hole course in deep ravine, a water hazard or among fairway. the rugged hills, 27 kilometres west of impossible vegetation. Barcelona, was designed by Spanish great José María Olazábal. Like all his courses, Masia Bach is not an easy course to play. Sant Joan The rugged landscape has allowed Sant Joan is one of very few public cours- Olazábal to design some truly unique es in Spain. The funding for Sant Joan holes using elevated tees and greens, deep came from the Catalan Golf Federation ravines, natural water flow and abundant (80%) and the Spanish Golf Federation vegetation. The hills also allow for breath- (20%). The idea behind this course is to Club de Golf Masia Bach taking panoramic views at various points foment interest in the game by giving Ctra. Martorell – Capellades Km 19,5 Sant Esteve Sesrovires along the entire course. This is especially locals a place to practice and play at a rea- Tel: +34 93 772 88 00 true of the views from the 5th green and sonable price. To do so San Juan offers Llavaneres Golf Club the 10th and 11th holes where the rocky green fees at the incredibly low rate of 42 Camino del Golf, s/n outline of Montserrat Mountain euros on the weekends and a bucket San Andrés de Llavaneras looms on the horizon. of 34 balls on the range costs Tel: +34 93 792 60 50 Email: [email protected] One should keep in just 1 euro. Website: www.golfllavaneres.com mind that while the San Joan is divided abrupt landscape between the munici- Golf de Sant Joan Finca Can San Joan makes this course palities of San Cugat Rubi - Barcelona fun to play, it also and Rubi with part Tel: +34 93 675 3050 Email: [email protected] makes it exceeding- of the course belong- Website: www.golfsantjoan.com ly tough to walk. ing to each. The For most of us a course is wedged in buggy rental is a wise between an office park choice. One of the out- and a freeway and a huge standing points to Masia fence has been erected Bach is how well it is main- along the 17th fairway to tained, something Olazábal insists on keep stray balls from hitting passing when agreeing to design a course. As the cars. Another peculiarity of the son and grandson of green keepers, course is that it winds around the Olazábal knows better than most the local cemetery which is located importance of good maintenance. between the clubhouse and the 8th and 9th holes. It is also interesting to note that Llavaneras Country Club even though the course runs Designed by F.W. Hawtree and Ramón through abrupt hilly land, very Espinosa and located 34 kilometres from few people rent buggies at San Barcelona, The Llavaneras Country Club Joan. Players come here to enjoy a 38 A DAY IN THE LIFE

A Day In The Life Of Top Spanish Food Author Janet Mendel During nearly 40 years in Spain, American journalist Janet Mendel has become the premier cookbook writer on Spanish cuisine, winning top accolades in the USA, Britain and Spain. For any foreigner liv- ing in Spain, or indeed anyone interested in Spanish cooking, her easy to follow texts are essential for unravelling the mysteries of Spanish food and cooking.

was the eldest of four kids. We grew up going strong. My speciality is traditional Spanish “Iamong fields of corn and Soya bean in cooking, the authentic stuff from each region. Decatur, Illinois. I studied journalism at a univer- “Ordinary Spaniards eat better than they did 40 sity in Chicago. Cooking was the one chore years ago because they can afford to. They can eat around the house that I really enjoyed. My mother the wonderful ham, the extra virgin olive oil – not the was a good cook and I learned from her. refined Soya oil or rot gut olive oil of the old days. In “While working for a weekly newspaper near Míjas bars in the morning, now everybody is eating Chicago I got married to another journalist and we good toasted bread, spread with extra virgin olive oil decided to take one year off and go to Spain. I had and topped with slices of that wonderful ham. studied Spanish and had been in Spain as a junior “Village people still eat quite a lot like they did 30 abroad at university in Madrid.” years ago - cocidos, potajes - that sort of food is very An American couple had told them that paradise usual in a village home. But, yes, they go out and buy was a mountainside village called Míjas near frozen lasagne or fast food as well now. Awful! Málaga. After arriving in February 1966, it “My son Benjamin lives in Tarifa and works in a became home. windsurf shop while Daniel is in Atlanta, USA, and “When I first went out to the Míjas market, I saw is Sports Director of a college.” things there I had never seen before and would ask Janet Mendel’s Traditional Spanish Cooking won locals how to cook them. I started collecting recipes the prestigious André Simon Award in the UK in from the tapas bars, bought a piece of land and built 1996. In 1997 Tapas and More Great Dishes of a house on it. My two sons were born there. Spain was published in Spain by Santana. In 2002, “In 1968 I started a monthly cooking column for a My Kitchen in Spain was listed as one of the ten local English language magazine, Lookout, and best cookbooks of the year by both The New York continued until the year 2000 when it closed. Times and Food & Wine magazine. This year it “My first cookbook was published by Lookout’s comes out in the UK with Frances Lincoln book division, Santana Books, in 1987 – Cooking Publishers. Next year Janet Mendel’s Cooking in Spain. It had a fantastic reception and that from the Heart of Spain - The Food of La Mancha book is still in print and Santana Books is still will be published by William Morrow. 40 A DAY IN OUR LIVES

Frank-Ulrich Lehmann Financial Advisor, Torrevieja

t was always a personal dream of mine to live After several years in a foreign bank in Spain, Iand work in Spain although I have to admit I accepted a welcome offer to move to there is no logical reason for it. Maybe it is the Solbank where I have been working for two weather, maybe the lifestyle, the typical years in the Torrevieja branch. After just two Spanish tapa bars or simply a mix of all this weeks I really appreciated the personal and that makes me feel different here and enjoying customer orientated way Solbank relates life more than I did in Germany. I was born in with its clients. It fits with my way of thinking, Gelsenkirchen and lived there for 26 years always trying to give the best personal ser- before coming to the Alicante area. During vice for every single client. In general the ser- many years I was able to visit different parts of vice and help that we give our customers is The teamwork of the Spain on my holidays and then again when I much more complete than for example in a multilingual staff in took a student position in a real estate compa- German bank. Furthermore assisting our concentrating on the ny in Torrevieja while I was studying economics clients in their own language helps them to needs and personal at the venerable University of Gelsenkirchen. understand and trust us, and at the end of the My parents expected me to stay here for one day “business with money is very personal”… circumstances of all semester but it has now been eight years My spare time allows me to enjoy my favourite our clients confirmed since I finished my studies and I am hoping to hobby – my family. Besides being with the that my decision in stay forever. Fortunately during this period I children, often on different playgrounds, we met my wife who is from the Alicante area. We take short bike rides. Well, I need to push the joining Solbank was have two wonderful children, Brenda (6) and baby boy to be able get anywhere, even if it is absolutely right. Kevin (almost 3). At home we speak Spanish only to the corner of the next street! and German, but also English and Valenciano, as my wife teaches both these languages.

Jenny Högberg Administrator Almuñécar Branch

was born in a city in southern Sweden called I am an administrator in Solbank, which I IHelsingborg. After finishing my studies in would define as a great organisation that is economics in 1990 I worked for 10 years in a both modern and active. In our branch we large chain of department stores. It was a fun work together as a great team, and here I feel and interesting job that allowed me to I can grow both personally and professionally. progress professionally and by the end I held One of the things I like most about my work is the position of buyer for seven stores. helping our clients and how grateful they are In 2002 I decided to move to Spain because I for our help. It is also nice to set up relations have family in Almuñécar, my sister lives there with my fellow countrymen. and is married to a Spaniard. The thing I like Sometimes when you are working with so about Almuñécar is that although it is expand- many foreign clients there are cultural prob- You have to listen to ing rapidly it still retains the charm of an lems and it is a relief for them to be able to a client’s needs and Andalusian village. I also love the weather of deal with us in their own language. I speak then try to solve course. For the first six months I studied English, Swedish and Spanish and as the their problems in Spanish and I passed a proficiency exam in the Scandinavian languages are very similar I University of Granada. I then took a job at an don’t have any problems understanding Danish the most efficient estate agent and that is where I first came in and Norwegian clients. way possible. contact with Solbank. Real estate did not inter- When I am not working I make sure to go to the est me and luckily for me Solbank was looking gym twice a week and I like to spend time with for personnel and I have now found the place I my family and go out with my friends and I am want to make my professional home. also interested in fashion and interior design. 42 FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANTE JOAQUÍN SCHMIDT

THE CITY OF VALENCIA, CAPITAL OF THE COSTA BLANCA, IS BEST KNOWN AS A MAJOR PORT ON THE MED AND A SUMMER BOTTLENECK ON THE MAIN COASTAL MOTORWAY. SINCE BEING SELECTED TO HOLD THE AMERICA’S CUP CHALLENGE IN 2007, VALENCIA IS ALSO BECOMING A MECCA FOR YACHTSMEN.

By Edward Owen

Reserva Santa Rosa 1998 from Enrique Mendoza and his Cabernet Sauvignon vine- yard near Villena, Alicante. This is a strong, very complex wine, fresh, fruity and aro- matic, nicely tinged with oak. Assorted breads were served with black olive butter. The first item: a cocktail glass half filled with a chilled, lemon coloured liquid and topped with a warm foam - Joaquín’s bracing gin fizz. Next came a curious twisted Uri Geller spoon of tomato with minced cod, not salty and delicious. After that, a dry Martini glass arrived with a teaspoon. The upper layer in the glass had a generous portion of black herrings’ eggs on a gelatine of Restaurante Joaquín Schmidt The real delight of this place is that you white vermouth, a great combination. Visitación 7. 46009 Valencia do not know what you’re going to eat and The next delight was a large croquette Tel: +34 963 401 710 Credit Cards: Mastercard & Visa. nor can you choose. It’s like being at which contained something meaty which Closed all Sunday & Monday midday, two someone’s smart party. All you have to do turned out to be diced capon, that nice weeks at Easter and 15-31 August. is to select one of five menus: Confianza tasting fowl. This was followed by little (four plates and dessert, 35€ per per- slices of the best of Spain’s famous air- his is rice and citrus country and of- son), Gourmand (five plates and dessert, cured ham on toast spread with olive oil Tcourse paella is the most famous dish. 41€), Joaquin Schmidt (seven plates, and tomato pulp. But paella is a lunchtime dish, perhaps at cheeses and dessert, 56€) or Infantil (two Next was an exquisite fusion salad of one of Valencia’s beachfront restaurants, dishes for children plus sweet, 23€). lentils escalivada with red peppers, and in the evening you may want a more From an excellent wine list we chose a aubergine, onion, noodles and chopped sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, Palacio de Bornos Sauvignon Blanc, one of chives, all topped with smoked anchovies especially if in the yachting set. the finest whites from Rueda, nicely chilled. and surrounded by ribbons of soy sauce. Chef Joaquín Schmidt, 47, of a German This was followed by the best local tinto, a Showing off his dexterity, Joaquín’s fol- father and a Madrid mother, opened his lowing dish was a shelled lightly boiled now renowned restaurant in 1993 just egg, still whole, with leek sauce and north of the city centre. One rings a bell foamed mashed potato, sprinkled with a to gain entry and the first impression is pinch of smoked salt. Outstanding! of a small mansion. There are several Our main meat dish was roast Iberian comfortable dining areas including a pork, like the one the best ham comes summer terrace. The high white ceilings from, served with couscous and Dijon are flanked by dark woodwork and the mustard. Finally, we were presented with salmon coloured walls are adorned with tumblers containing a base of sliced modern paintings. Each white-clothed strawberries and chopped curry leaves table has its own lamp and large catavi- (an interesting variation on the black pep- nos glasses for those who take their per trick) topped with a large syllabub of wine seriously. Classical music sere- cream. Copas and coffee followed. The nades in the background. total bill for two was 140.70€. 43 FOOD & DRINK

01 Vermú con Huevos de Arenque Tinto Coto de Imaz Rioja 1996 Ingredients for 4 persons 0.25 L. Yzaguirre (Reus, Tarragona) dry white vermouth I 1.25 leaves of gelatine (2 gr.) I 1 350 gr. of D.O. Rioja 12.5% vol. 50 cl. tinned smoked herrings’ eggs I cup of chopped chives I1 grated lime rind I juice of 1 lemon I virgin olive oil. Bottle 4.50 € Ever wanted to buy a Heat the vermouth without bringing to boil. Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water, drain well half bottle of wine (37.5 and dissolve in the hot vermouth, when cooler pour into Martini glasses and leave to chill in cl.) rather than a whole fridge. When the vermouth is set, spoon the herrings’ eggs on top (add touch of Maldon sea salt one (75 cl.)? Many if not smoked) of each, sprinkling with lime rind, lemon juice and a drop of olive oil. You can vary Spanish bodegas, the seafood topping. including some of the best, like Coto 02 Garbanzos Con Espinacas y Bacalao in Rioja and Miguel Torres in Catalonia, Ingredients for 4 persons supply half bottles. 400 gr. dried chickpeas I 400 gr. spinach I 100 gr. flaked dried salt cod I 1 onion I 2 garlic cloves I 1/2 Diners may just carrot I 1 tomato I 2 bay leaves I Olive oil I chilli pepper paste I 50 ml. sherry vinegar I 4 dried salt cod want a small bottle fillets (200 gr. each) I flour I 100 ml. fish or cod Stock. of white for a seafood starter and Soak the chickpeas overnight in cold then a whole bottle water with a little salt, then soak for of red for the meat in warm water before cooking. course. Or you may Simmer the chickpeas with salt, a be eating alone. bay leaf, a splash of olive oil, an onion Passengers on and half a carrot over a very low heat cheap, meal-less flights, often until tender. Cook the spinach in boil- get a decent wine to take with ing water for one minute and cool, their picnic before boarding. chop and reserve. Stir-fry the veg- Above all, half bottles offer a etables in olive oil, add a drop of the great chance to economically chilli paste or pinch of cayenne pep- sample some great wines. per, the tomato and then the vinegar. Wine matures quicker in small Leave to reduce and add the chickpeas, the stock and the flaked cod. Cook for two minutes, bottles so younger crianzas remove and add the spinach. Soak the skinned cod fillets for 24 hours, changing the water three and reservas can be excellent. times, and then dry well. Fry the lightly floured cod in hot oil for two minutes on each side. To El Coto de Rioja, founded in make the sauce, lightly sauté the garlic cloves in oil, add the cod scraps and skin and fry lightly 1976 in Rioja Alta (the best and add the stock Leave to cool for five minutes, strain and mix in blender for 90 seconds at full Rioja area) and now part of speed. Place in a bowl and warm in a Bain Marie. Place the cod fillet on a bed of chickpeas and the Barón de Ley Group, top with the mousse sauce and a splash of olive oil with a little dried hot red pepper. produces fine Riojas. The cask-aged Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva 1996, sold in a slim 03 Fresón Syllabub Con Menta 50 cl. bottle, represents great value for money. A dark ruby Ingredients for 4 persons (Modified for easy preparation) colour, it has a splendid 400 gr. strawberries, chopped I 30 cl. sweet sherry I 2 tsp. finely grated lime rind I 90 gr. sugar I 2 tbsp. bouquet of dark fresh fruits lemon juice I 30 cl. double cream I cup of chopped mint or curry leaves I thin almond biscuits (tejas). and oak, a delicious well balanced taste, with agreeable Place the strawberries at the bottom of four large tumblers. tannins, and lingers nicely on To make the syllabub, leave the grated lime rind to soak in the taste buds. the lemon juice for several hours and then strain. Mix with El Coto de Rioja SA. the sugar in a bowl with the sherry, now add the cream and Camino Viejo de Logroño 26 whisk lightly until it just thickens – no more! Pour over the 01320 Oyón. Álava Tel: +34 945 622 216 strawberries and garnish with the mint or curry leaves and a Fax: +34 945 622 315 few crumbled almond biscuits. Serve chilled. www.elcoto.com 44 YOUR HEALTH SLEEP DEBT – THE WAKE-UP CALL

EVER FELT THAT YOU ARE ‘DYING TO GET SOME SLEEP’? YOU COULD BE RIGHT. SUCH ARE THE HEALTH RISKS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION THAT RUNNING UP AN ACCUMULATIVE SLEEP DEBT CAN HAVE SINISTER, EVEN LIFE-THREATENING, CONNOTATIONS.

By Dee McMath

f the recommended eight hours a unpleasant mood swings. Poor concen- Temporary Solutions or night sounds like a dream to you, tration and slow reflexes as a result of Desperate Measures? Ithen perhaps you need a wake-up sleep debt is the cause of many thou- call. Today’s medical research proves sands of fatal road accidents. In a recent Power Napping that proper sleep goes hand in hand with study, people suffering from sleep Some people consider the ‘power nap’ regular exercise and a good diet, in the deprivation scored as badly in simple as a possible solution to repay part of the recipe for a long, healthy and happy life. tests as those who were legally drunk. lost eight hour quota. Certain large Numerous studies show a direct corre- organisations invest time and space to lation between poor sleep patterns and allow their employees to “power nap” serious health problems such as; dia- Sleep Debt and Obesity during the working day. Amongst these betes, hypertension, heart disease, kid- In a study by sleep researcher Eve Van are; British Airways, Nike and the US ney problems and depression. There Cauter - published in the UK Medical Army. There are also companies such as may even be a link between breast can- Journal, The Lancet - it is suggested Metro Naps in New York, which are cer and unnatural late night light dis- that there is a connection between accu- cashing in on the sleep shortage and rupting sleep and affecting hormone mulated sleep debt and the increasing offering forty-winks in a “napping pod” cycles, according to work carried out by rate of obesity. Blood tests taken from for just $US14 - white noise and alarm cancer researcher, Richard Stevens of participants who were allowed only a call included! However, medical research Connecticut Health Centre. Dr. Ronald few hours sleep per night, showed that refutes the hypothesis that the fast track Chervin, Professor of Neurology and they had gone into a pre-diabetic state. “power nap” is a healthy substitute for a Director of Michigan University Sleep The tests also revealed a drop in levels good night’s sleep. Disorder Centre, describes the problem of leptin, the hormone which plays an of lack of sufficient sleep as “an epidem- important role in the breakdown of fat ic”. In our stressful, achievement-driven and whose function is also to tell the society, where we often place unrealistic body when it feels full. Lack of leptin demands on ourselves he adds that our generates a craving for carbohydrates, sleep habits are becoming “dangerously leading to weight gain. sloppy”. Drowsiness during the day associated with lack of sleep can impair short-term memory, affect decision- making capabilities and be the source of 45 YOUR HEALTH

The Pill to Pillow Syndrome Sleep Disorders Some Sound Sleep Strategy For those of you who do want to sleep, Chronic insomnia (the inability to sleep), • Before midnight is best: Get into the but just can’t seem to manage it, you are Apnoea (alarming and potentially life habit of early to bed and early to rise, not alone. At least 60% of the population threatening momentary breathing stop- enjoying eight hours continuous sleep suffer from insomnia at some time page during sleep) and Narcolepsy (a if possible. throughout the year and many people debilitating condition causing day time • Feng Shui: Ensure your bedroom is a (understandably) reach for a pill rather sleep paralysis and cataplexy) are just cool, dark, uncluttered and soothing than risk another restless night. some of the severe and incapacitating sanctuary at night - reserve your However, this “quick fix” approach is not sleep disorders which require profes- sanctuary for sleep (and sex). Ban a safe long-term solution. Although pills sional medical help. TV’s, computers, paperwork, etc. can be effective in the interim, insomnia Many less obvious sleep disorders often • Chill out: Have a warm bath or play should be looked at more closely, since go undetected. Here are some symptoms relaxing music before bed. it can be caused by stress, anxiety, that could indicate an accumulated sleep • Break bad sleep patterns: – like late depression or an underlying disease. debt, which could be weakening your night TV/falling asleep on the sofa. Go Beware of some types of sleeping pills, immune system and adversely affecting to bed instead! which are notoriously prone to creating your physical and mental health: • Buy the best bed you can: Since you dependency and can also have unpleas- spend a third of your life in it, your bed is ant side effects. For women over forty- a sound investment. The life expectancy five, the onset of the menopause can Possible Signs of Sleep of any good mattress is approximately bring with it, unwelcome sleepless Shortage 10 years. nights. Americans spend a staggering • Slow reactions or unclear thinking. • Eating: Leave about three hours two billion dollars each year on pre- • Falling asleep while watching TV, between eating and going to bed. scription medicines to aid sleep. Since reading, or working. • Avoid Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or the statistics show that men normally • Drowsiness while driving. other stimulants before bedtime. have fewer problems than women with • Negative mood swings - depression. • Regular exercise aids quality sleep. sleeping, the drug industry is aiming • Clumsiness or frequent mistakes. However, finish your workout at least new marketing campaigns at the female • Struggling to remember information – two hours before your regular bed- sector and is expecting a healthy rise in lack of concentration. time or it will keep you awake. profits. You have been warned! • Angry or impatient behaviour. • Herbal Pillows and herbal infusions • Tired, heavy eyes, problems focussing, (such as valerian – a natural tranquil- blinking too much. izer) can aid a sound sleep without • Inability to listen properly to instruc- side effects. Ask your herbalist. tions or directions. • Beauty Sleep is not just a cliché. • Sense of confusion and stress in com- Scientific research shows that as plex situations. muscles relax in sleep, the body heals, repairs and detoxifies. Remember this as you prepare for an early night, tonight! 46 COSTA DEL SOL NEWS

COSTA DEL SOL NEWS Compiled in cooperation with “Costa del Sol News”

NEW HEALTH CENTRE OPENS IN the town, and demands that a “firm hand” Cádiz (4th), Chiclana (5th), Jerez (6th), El ALHAURIN be taken against those responsible. It Puerto de Santa María (7th) and San The new Alhaurín de la Torre health cen- continues: “As pedestrians and also as Fernando (8th). tre has opened its doors to patients. The drivers, we are extremely concerned for In La Línea the average income is between new 2,170-square-metre facility, located our physical well-being in Nerja’s streets. 7,200 and 8,300 euros a year whilst in in the El Nogal urbanisation, replaces the Those who ride motorcycles show no Sanlúcar and Algeciras the average is existing health centre and is designed to respect for traffic signs.” slightly higher between 8,300 and 9,300 meet the needs of not just the town's Local police have responded with an euros per annum. As an average, Cádiz existing 27,000 residents, but for an increased presence on street corners, Province has a median income of not high- increase in population to 40,000, accord- stopping riders and inspecting their vehi- er than 8,300 euros. ing to officials. cles. They claim that, already this month, more than 100 sanctions have been NORTH TO CÓRDOBA GROWING GRANDE issued for failing to wear a safety helmet, The Government is to invest a further 83 Work has begun on a new development and that so far this year, 1,300 fines have million euros in the motorway from near the historic district of Alhaurín de been imposed on riders for a variety of Antequera to Córdoba. Last year, 106.4 la Grande. The El Jorobado urbanisa- offences, including dangerous driving, million euros, almost a third more than tion, near Calle Nueva, will take in a total speeding and drunk-driving. expected, was spent on construction on the of 34,000 square metres, with apartment road which the Ministry of Development blocks and townhouses making up a FUENGIROLA TOPS ECONOMIC regards as “essential” to the communica- total of 133 homes. Plans call for 4,200 PERFORMANCE SURVEY tions infrastructure. Announcing the new square metres of public gardens and In the survey carried out by La Caixa investment, socialist deputy Miguel Angel green zones. The Town Hall has also bank, Fuengirola is among the top 20 Heredia said the autovía would also reduce approved the initial plans for another municipalities in Spain for economic the high number of accidents on the exist- development, this one located between growth since the last such survey was ing N-331 road. El Parral and El Cigarral on the Camino carried out five years ago. de Coín road. The 16,000-square-metre The survey compared such variables as POST PROBLEMS site is earmarked for townhouses and the income per inhabitant per annum The business association in Alhaurín de la individual dwellings. between the years 1999 and 2004. In that Torre, ADICAT, said it is preparing to file a period, Fuengirola showed an economic legal complaint against the Correos PUBLIC OUTCRY OVER NERJA MOPEDS growth of between 42 and 50 per cent postal company over poor mail-delivery Nerja’s local police have received an compared with the Andalucía average of service in the town. Describing as ‘chaos’ increasing number of complaints from the between 26 and 34 per cent and that for the current state of local postal service, public about dangerous driving by young Málaga between 24 and 42 per cent. ADICAT says its grievance is on behalf of people on motorcycles and scooters. They Other indicators showed an annual popu- more than 400 businesses, shops and are responding with increased patrols. lation growth of 4.9 per cent, gave an residents who have voiced their discon- Calls for police action follow two serious annual income figure for ‘fuengiroleños’ of tent and sense of impotence in tackling accidents in the town. An elderly man was between 9,300 and 10,200 euros and a rise the situation on their own. hospitalised after being hit by a moped in industrial activity in the municipality of and a 41-year-old woman was killed and 84.2 per cent over the five-year period. MÁLAGA PORT LEISURE COMPLEX her eight-year-old son injured after a In contrast the report issued by La Caixa A local firm has won the contract for a 37 rider ploughed into them on a shows the reality of life in the Campo de million euro development of Quay 1 in the pedestrian crossing. A letter Gibraltar region. The findings indicate port of Málaga. The Unión de Iniciativas to the police, that La Línea is the poorest town in Empresariales (Udisa) will undertake the signed by a Spain amongst those with a popu- work which will see restaurants, cafés and number of lation of 50,000 or over. The shops alongside spaces for cultural and residents, province of Cádiz provided the leisure activities built on the dock. Udisa expresses top eight of the poorest towns. now has 30 days to present the paperwork worries In second place was Sanlúcar, to back their proposals, with construction about safety in followed by Algeciras (3rd), then expected to take 18 months. 47 COSTA BLANCA NEWS

COSTA BLANCA NEWS Compiled in cooperation with “Costa Blanca News”

LUV DOESN'T CONQUER ALL metres long, parking areas, green zones LOW UNEMPLOYMENT ON THE COSTA Despite claims by the Valencia Gover- and improved installations for the fishing BLANCA nment, via its territories and housing fleet. Under the new plan, four under- Figures released recently by the savings chief Rafael Blasco, that the new Ley ground parking areas have been included bank La Caixa show that three municipal- Urbanística Valenciana (LUV) will put that will take up 100,000 square metres ities in Alicante Province are among the right the mistakes of its predecessor the and the bullring will be given a site close six Spanish towns where unemployment LRAU, it has been revealed that projects to where the town's annual Bous al la is at its lowest. The survey showed that filed now under existing legislation will Mar fiestas take place. Promoters believe Benidorm, Torrevieja and Orihuela have be allowed to continue 15 to 20 years that the future northern ring road project the highest population growth rates and after LUV comes into force. would give the port an improved access the lowest percentage of unemployment. This means that greedy developers have road infrastructure, especially in the It said that Orihuela, with 50,000 inhabi- gone into a frenzy of activity filing project summer. The council is now studying the tants, has a two per cent unemployment after project with local councils which amended plan before making any state- rate putting it in first place. It was fol- then, under new legislation, have to ments on it. lowed in third place followed by Torrevieja revise town plans before giving them the with 2.1 per cent and Benidorm in sixth green light. This process could take up to ILLEGAL BOAT HANDLING LICENCES place with 2.3 per cent. The rosy picture three years to complete, which means for the Costa Blanca is in contrast to the that some projects filed now under the hinterland of the province, which, says current LRAU would not begin until years the report, has an economic growth rate after it was scrapped, but they would still lower than the national average. be protected by it. The bottom line is that the new land law NEW INDUSTRIAL PARK PLANNED will only apply to projects presented Monforte del Cid council has announced after it comes into effect. LRAU-backed that a new 153-hectare industrial park is Plan Parcial schemes will still continue to be created. The Polígono Walaig will, for years to come and people who get when finished, be the largest of its kind caught up in one will find that LUV will Maritime Rescue Services on the Costa in the area followed by others in Ibi, afford them no protection whatsoever. Blanca say that the number of rescue Alicante, Aspe and Elda. incidents involving leisure craft is DENIA'S REVAMPED PORT PROJECT increasing at an alarming rate due to the HOLIDAY HOMES VALUE INCREASE UNVEILED sale of false boat-handling licences. The value of holiday homes on the Costa A spokesman said the demand for all Blanca will increase by 16 per cent dur- types of leisure craft has exploded out of ing 2005, according to a study carried all proportion and as a result rescue ser- out by a private survey company on the vices are receiving more and more calls current holiday home market. for urgent assistance. He added that in The results of the study show that most cases where a boat has got into diffi- demand for holiday homes will increase culty, the crew are untrained; they do not by around 25 per cent between now and know how to handle the craft and have no 2010 and that the number of holiday idea how to cope in an emergency. homes in Spain will increase to 33 per Figures released recently show that in at cent of all properties within the next five least 30 per cent of all cases, the endan- years. At present that figure is 27.7 per gered crew has been far too inexperi- cent. Spokesman for survey company A redesigned plan for the enlargement enced to handle the craft they were in. Grupo i Ignacio Pindado said that studies of Denia Port has been unveiled by the The major cause of this upsurge in res- show only a slight drop in foreign invest- company promoting the project. cues has been put down to the availabil- ment, but that would right itself in the The original outline of the plan has been ity of fake boat-handling licences which, not-too-distant future. He added that amended to take into account road access say informed sources, are freely avail- the UK was still the major market for to the port, mooring for vessels up to 350 able in most coastal towns. property sales, followed by Ireland. 48 BALEARIC ISLANDS NEWS

BALEARIC ISLANDS NEWS

THE ROAD TO INCA in German and 12.9% in French tourists groups. The idea is to prevent mafias from After nearly one year of construction work across Spain, with the number of UK visi- entering the islands as they have done in the new six-lane, three in either direction, tors also rising but by just 1.5%. In June other coastal regions of Spain, where stretch of the Palma to Inca motorway has foreign visitors increased in the Balearic organised crime is part of the daily life. In finally opened. The new lanes run from Islands over last year by 1.8%, lead by a those areas such as Costa del Sol the spe- Inca exit at the Via Cintura in Palma to the 12% rise in German visitors. This, howev- cialised crime team carries out curative Alcampo exit on the Palma to Inca motor- er was partially offset by the 4.9% decline actions, as opposed to the yet preventive way and were built in an attempt to ease in UK visitors which constitute the biggest measures needed in the Balearics. traffic along this heavily used stretch of group of foreign tourists. highway. In recent years this has been a HOLLYWOOD ENDING traffic black spot as rush hour jams occur ONE MORE FROM THE ROAD Young residents of Sant Llorenç will frequently especially on the motorway The town council of Manacor is studying soon have something to cheer about. near the Son Fuster and Son Castelo alternatives for the road which runs The shortage of adequate places for the industrial estates exits. The widening of through the centre of the town. One pos- younger residents to socialise may soon the four kilometre stretch of road comes sibility is to transform the old road into a come to an end. The town council is in at a total cost of over 10 million euros boulevard with a walking area down the studying the possibility of purchasing and includes the planting of over 3,000 middle lined with trees and gardens sim- the old Rigal de Sant Llorenç cinema. shrubs and trees. Now drivers can look ilar to Las Ramblas in Palma. To date this Regional councillors and a municipal forward to the completion of the work on is the main road used by drivers passing architect recently paid a visit to the old the Inca to Sa Pobla stretch of motorway though the town but this will soon change cinema as a first step before negotiating which is expected to be completed some- with the opening of the new North a purchase price. The price of this build- time during the summer of 2006. Bypass. Many shop owners are worried ing is expected to be between some- that less traffic will also mean less busi- where 250,000 and 300,000 euros. It has LESS FOR LESS ness and the hope is that by transforming still not been decided whether the build- the road into a walking boulevard the ing will be renovated or completely negative effects of less road traffic will be demolished. Once complete the town offset by higher pedestrian use. council plan to not only offer films, but also have a multi-purpose cultural cen- UNORGANISED CRIME ONLY tre, which could be used for presenta- If you were a victim of crime last year tions, concerts and festivals all aimed at there is good news. At least it was the the town’s younger residents. home grown variety. According to police The competition from cheaper resorts in officials there are no international mafia HEY BIG SPENDER Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece is being felt groups or organised crime groups operat- According to figures released by the in Spain and in the Balearic Islands in par- ing in the Balearic Islands. Just in case, Ministry of Tourism, Balearic Islands resi- ticular. Figures recently released by the however, the Guardia Civil has created a dents spend more when they are on holi- Ministry of Tourism suggest a down-turn specialised unit to deal with organised day than the Spanish average. While the in profits for the tourist trade of up to 20% crime which they claim is still only a pre- daily average holiday expenditure for a in Mallorca, and bookings for package ventative measure. José Antonio Alonso, Balearic resident was just over 80 euros in deals down across Spain by 10%. Much of the Minister of the Interior, announced 2004, the Spanish average was much lower the drop is being blamed on a shift in the the creation of a new team against mafia at around 51.5 euros. The figures also holiday market due to an increasing show that Balearic residents made 2.08 choice of holiday destinations. Stiffer million trips last year of which 882,720 of competition means lower prices and con- them were for holidays. The figures also sequently lower profits. show that the Balearic Islands are the sec- Figures from the Tourist Ministry, howev- ond region in Spain in terms of number of er, show a rise of 7.8% in the total number international trips (13.7 percent), a figure of foreigners visiting Spain in the first that is just slightly behind people from the quarter of 2005. There was a rise of 7.3% most travelled region, Catalonia. 49 CANARY ISLANDS NEWS

CANARY ISLANDS NEWS Compiled in cooperation with “TENERIFE NEWS”

DESERTIFICATION ALERT FOR The German naturalist and botanist CANARIES Alexander von Humboldt discovered this In company with its fellow autonomous view in 1799.Of course the sight he per- communities of Valencia and Murcia, the ceived then must have been completely Canaries are at the high to very high risk different to the one we view today. end of turning into desert and arid wasteland in the coming years, accord- TOURISM – STATISTICS SHOW A TINY ing to a ministry report published to DECREASE coincide with the UN’s World Day to The island of Tenerife registered a total Combat Desertification and Drought on of 1,642,336 visitors from other coun- June 17. The combined effects of global which the committee will prepare a final tries during the first four months of this warming, soil erosion and short-sighted list of 45. The properties will be evaluated year, which indicates only 1.66% less and irresponsible use of the land are tak- in September 2006 with final declarations than in the same period last year. ing their toll on some of the most vulner- made the following summer. There’s still All is not smiles of relief however, because able areas of Spain, and this region, a long way to go, but the Tenerife team is the same statistics office announced a dis- where experts say 100 per cent of the confident of ultimate success which tinct fall in personal affluence among territory is at risk, is one of them. The would mean the island will have another those 1,642,336 visitors. People did not Environment Ministry is taking action site to join the existing World Heritage come so loaded with cash this year; in fact and has already announced over 82 mil- city of La Laguna. they came with an average of 4.42% less lion euros have been earmarked to try to The Parque Nacional de Las Cañadas del money to spend than last year. freeze the desertification process. Actual Teide came into being on January 22 1954 The period January to April 2005 saw reversal, however, will require far more and currently covers a total area of 18,990 898,542 visitors staying in hotel accommo- than that. The men from the ministry’s hectares. With its iconic centrepiece, the dation, 55% of the total. The rest stayed in main weapon of mass reconstruction will volcanic summit of Mount Teide, the high- apartments or apart-hotels, where they be a green one: plant life. The plants will est peak in Spain, and its famous lunar fed themselves, shopping in local super- hold the soil together, so retaining water, landscapes, it is by far and away Tenerife’s markets. It is from this 45% of the total in arid areas. In this respect the Tenerife most popular natural attraction and the that local businesses such as groceries authorities, at least, are slightly ahead of most visited of Spain’s extensive chain of expect to make their fortunes. the game, thanks to the extensive pro- national parks, attracting as it does more gramme of reforestation carried out on a than three million people a year. EL FRAILE ON A DEMOGRAPHIC ROLL continuous basis for many years. El Fraile is one of the south’s demograph- MIRADOR DE HUMBOLDT ic hot-spots, the fastest-growing area in LAS CAÑADAS DEL TEIDE SHORT-LISTED INAUGURATED Arona, according to a local neighbour- FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. After several years of construction and hood association that claims the present After two years of painstaking bureau- delays, the president of the Cabildo, 14,000 strong population will have jumped cratic preparation it was payback time Ricardo Melchior and the mayor of La to 21,000 within a couple of years. when the Tenerife authorities learnt the Orotava, Isaac Valencia, inaugurated the The reasons for the hike, says Francisco Las Cañadas del Teide national park had Mirador de Humboldt near Puerto de la Afonso, association president, are many been selected by Spain as national can- Cruz. Over 800,000 euros were spent to and various, but one of the main factors didate for the coveted title of UNESCO rehabilitate the Mirador and create two is the regeneration of the Las Galletas World Heritage Site. floors. The top floor is on road level and beach and drastic improvements to Villa The announcement was made in Gerona consists of an open space from where Isabel which can now expect to attract after the park received unanimous the viewer can enjoy a panorama of the far more residents. But he underlined approval for UNESCO candidacy in the whole of the Orotava valley and the north the importance of Arona council’s fulfill- natural heritage category. The proposal of the island. Another floor constructed ing its promises to ensure the increased will now go forward to be presented underneath will provide a cafeteria ser- demands of growing population such as before the UNESCO general assembly in vice, an exhibition hall and information El Fraile’s be met, most especially in the Paris next year, along with the other can- office. The view can also be seen from areas of policing, schooling, health and didates from around the world, from this floor, but through a fibreglass wall. street cleaning. 50 COSTA BRAVA NEWS

COSTA BRAVA NEWS Compiled by Steven Guest

FISHY WARS wipe any trace of what it regards a bar- Government to declare the zone a natural baric past by demolishing its bullring to park back in 2003, but it wasn't until June make way for sports facilities and public 2005 that a law was actually passed to spaces. The ring, once a bastion of gore secure the area for generations to come. or art, depending on how you look at it, has recently been used for staging par- GREENPEACE HIGHLIGHTS COSTA ties and fiestas. Now the mayor of Lloret BLACK SPOTS plans to demolish it. In fact, bullrings will Half of the fifteen black spots earmarked soon become endangered buildings along by Greenpeace in their annual study of the Costa Brava! Girona, Sant Feliu, Catalan coastline environmental disas- Costa Brava's fishing fleet is whipping up Figueres and now Lloret have all either ters are located along the Costa Brava. a storm, claiming their rights to free done away with their venues or suspend- They include: Port de la Selva i Roses, for commerce are being violated. Fishermen ed bullfighting. The only one left in this uncontrolled urban planning; Llança, for dumped tonnes of sardines on the area of Catalunya is that of Olot, which is the construction of housing and a hotel doorstep of Mati Sans, director of the the second oldest in Spain after Ronda's. on Cap Ras; Sant Pescador, for a marina fisheries department at the autonomous port with 350 moorings and 500 houses; regional government of Catalonia in GOVERNMENT SEALS NATURAL PARK L'Escala, for a golf course and 327 hous- Barcelona earlier this summer in protest PROTECTION es; Palamós, for dumping residual waters at what they say is an attempt by whole- into the sea; Sant Pol, for sewage. salers to stop them from selling direct to Greenpeace say the pressure for devel- fishmongers. opment of the Costa Brava will leave a Costa Brava fishermen working out of landscape of cement and over exploita- Blanes, Sant Feliu, Palamós, L'Escala and tion if strict laws aren't passed. Llança grouped together to form their own wholesale company to sell part of their ONE TRAFFIC JAM LESS catches to retailers, provoking the ire and Costa Brava traffic jams along the C-31 boycott of established intermediaries who Santa Cristina d'Aro-Maçanet road will say the move will force them out of busi- become a thing of the past, thanks to the ness. Wholesalers say it's not fair that opening of a new lane along this stretch of fishermen sell their own catches directly road. The inauguration coincides with a to retailers because it goes against the tender opened for a new access route into transparency of the auction system. In any the Costa Brava between Maçanet and case, they argue that the fishing fleets are Platja d'Aro. The Autonomous govern- heavily subsidised by the public adminis- ment will pay the winning tender for each tration so they shouldn't be able to com- car that uses the new stretch of road; the mercialise their own catches. works are due to end by 2008 at a cost of € 63 million. Other new road works on the BULLRINGS IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION The Government of Catalonia has guaran- drawing-board for this part of the network Tourist heaven Lloret de Mar, a self- teed the future of one of the Costa Brava's include a stretch between Palamós and declared anti-bullfighting town, wants to most important beauty spots, Pinya de Parafrugell, which should reduce sum- Rosa, by declaring it a Park of National mertime congestion, but not this year! Interest (PNI). The 101-hectare area joins the only other two PNIs in Catalonia - Poblet and Albera. Pinya Rosa is a wooded area by the coastline; the newly protected area includes 16.91 hectares of maritime waters and the Botanical Gardens of Pinya Rosa. A wide range of local and national stakeholders had forced the 51 READERS’ PAGE The Readers’ Point of View

In this issue of Prestige Club magazine we would like to use the space we usually provide in the Readers’ Page not for your thoughts and opinions but for your views of Spain. And we mean that quite literally as we are using this page to show you some of the views our readers have taken of Spain and sent in as part of our first ever Photographic Competition. The pictures below are just a few of the outstanding examples of our readers’ talents as shutter bugs. Remember you still have time to enter the contest. All photo entries must be received on or before November 1st, 2005. So get out there and take your best shot.

ᮤ Dave Wigmore

ᮡ John Preston

Remember The theme of the photographs is Spanish landscapes and your photos will be judged by a panel of experts. The top three entries will receive a prize (to be announced), and their photos will be printed in the Winter 2005/06 issue of Prestige Club Magazine along with a selection of other entries.

So get out there and start snapping!!!

ᮡ Paul Clark

SEND YOUR ENTRY TO Prestige Club Photographic Competition Please include your name, contact details and the CLUB Dirección de Marketing y Publicidad name of the place shown in the photo. Entry into the Dirección de Promoción y Publicidad Solbank competition implies giving Solbank production rights

PRESTIGE Edificio Banco Sabadell Landscape, over the images for 2 years whether to publicise the Poligon Can Sant Joan, competition or for other promotional activities. Sena 12, 08190 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona COMPETITION Or by email to: [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHIC 52 LETTERS email: [email protected] cannot accept responsibility for any Solbank Prestige ClubMagazine 28690 Brunete (Madrid) Send your questions to: Solbank Prestige Club Fax: +34937266615 loss ordamagesuffered DAVID SEARL Living InSpain Calle Molino,5 by readers. [email protected] BOOK DAVID SEARLWRITESWIDELY ONSPANISH LEGAL MATTERS ANDISAUTHOROFTHE I’m gladyou asked professional Administrator becausethere isnolegal However, theadministrator maynotbeacertified Society, whichregulates licensedadministrators. de Fincas. This istheofficialbody, liketheLaw complaint directly totheColegiodeAdministradores principles ofethicsoreven illegally, you canmake a If you feelthattheadministrator hasactedagainst make thischangeatthenextAGM. with othermembersandassembleenoughvotes to wish tochangeyour administrator, you must talk some administrators actquitehigh-handedly. If you ty. He isanemployee ofthecommunity, even though Administrator. He isnotanofficerofthecommuni- that themembersvote torenew thecontract ofthe Meeting, oftheCommunity. Properly, we shouldsay is voted inattheAGM, theAnnual General You are correct whenyou saythattheAdministrator administrators ofcommunities. Información alConsumidor. No existsfor suchform They gototheOMIC,Oficina Municipal de public, suchasrestaurants orautorepair garages. are the available atmostestablishmentsthatserve tered by theconsumerprotection system. These forms doindeedexist,buttheyareplaint forms adminis- isconfusingtwosystems.Specialinformant com- Administrators ofCommunities,Iamafraid your one Region toanother, to sowe As mustbealert. Córdoba. But, yes, practice sometimesdiffersfrom made upofeightprovinces, likeMalaga and Regions, like Valencia orCatalonia. Andalusia is Well, first,Andalusia isoneof Spain’s Autonomous M. D.(BYEMAIL) Administrator isnormallyvoted inattheAGM. rect procedure? Iamaware ofcoursethatthe office. If thisiscorrect, canyou adviseonthecor- tor ofacommunitymustkeeptheseformsathis Property Owners.Iwastoldthateachadministra- fied withtheAdministrator ofyour Communityof of complainttothelocalcouncilifyou are dissatis- there isaprocedure whereby you canfilloutaform I understandthatintheprovince ofAndalucia communities? Is there acomplaint form for administrators of ANSWER QUESTIONSRELATED TO LIVINGINSPAIN. YOU ANDTHELAW INSPAIN. IN FORTHCOMING ISSUES DAVID WILLBEHAPPYTO know, noteven ourarchitect. number ofpeoplethere, butnobody seemedto interested insuchaninstallation.Iaskeda very sion forourhouseinLloret deMar andwe are for Catalonia? We justgotourbuildingpermis- gy. Is thisvalid onlyforAndalusiaor isitalsovalid tem andapaybackforthesurpluselectricalener- subsidy fortheinstallationofasolarenergysys- In your lasteditionIread aboutagovernment Are there grants for solarenergy inCatalonia? 155788, www.soliclima.com) One largeoperator inCatalonia isSoliclima.(937- may betocontactoneoftheauthorised installers. Hall atLloret deMar. Nevertheless your bestbet ments thatoffercredits andgrants. Checkyour Town Spain, forthatmatter, have environmental depart- Various municipalitiesinCatalonia, andallover the regular priceforinstallationsover 100Kwh. electricity tothemaingrid,andarate ofthree times mal rate forinstallationsunder100Kwh thatsell providers ofsolarpower apriceof5.75timesthenor- It oftheEconomy istheMinistry thatguarantees euros forflatpanelsand320euros forvacuum tubes. Over aminimumof10square metres theygrant 222 watts. They alsooffergrants forsolarheatingpanels. the grid,withaminimumpower outputoftwokilo- tions and3.8euros perwattforsystemsconnectedto vides grants of7.6euros perwattforisolatedinstalla- ICAEN (93-6220500,www.icaen.es), whichpro- Then there istheInstituto Catalán delaEnergía, cent oftheinvestment, plusdirect grants. 4564900, www.idae.es), offerscredits upto80per Diversificación yAhorro delaEnergia, (IDAE)(91- wide programmes. The Spanish Instituto para la panels orphotovoltaic cells.First, there are nation- installations,especiallywindandsolar native energy Yes, there are grants available inCatalonia foralter- G. H.(BAD VILBEL, GERMANY) would be to go to court againsthim. would betogocourt to theCollegeandyour onlyothercourseofaction requirement forthis.In thatcase,hewillnotbelong By DavidSearl