Fuerteventura is being pushed into the 21 st Century through the installation of a fiber optic network in the capital, enabling faster communication between the local Government, Town hall and institutions such as the library.

You hear about fiber-optic cables whenever people talk about the telephone system , the cable TV system or the Internet. Fiber-optic lines are strands of optically pure glass as thin as a human hair that carries digital information over long distances. Optical fibers are widely used in fiber-optic communication , which permits digital data transmission over longer distances and at higher data rates than other forms of wired and wireless communications.

The network has received an investment of 190,000€ and should be up and running by June.

It is the hope of the town council to eventually extend the network to include businesses and other municipalities in an effort to speed up paperwork and administration.

Fuerteventura has some of the safest roads in Spain . According to recent statistics released by the traffic department at the Town Council, the number of road fatalities has dropped by 30% since new road safety regulations were implemented.

The traffic department at the Cabildo has since 2003 compiled a yearly study on information regarding traffic accidents resulting in a detailed report highlighting the areas and causes where frequent accidents occur.

The department said “the objective is to be able to each year assimilate data focusing on the areas with a high concentration of accidents. This information allows us to improve road conditions once we recognize the accident rate”. “Furthermore it permits us to evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures of previous years”.

In 2003 there were 32 registered fatalities on the island's roads compared to 9 registered during 2006 which is a 72% decrease over the past 4 years.

The 19 th edition of Antigua 's Artisan Fair takes place on the 4 th -6 th May. The fair showcases traditional arts and crafts from all seven of the Canary islands . All the products are created by hand and include many of the traditional crafts that are slowly dying out such as lace work and weaving.

Each artisan must be in possession of a license which validates their work as being hand crafted. Tradition and culture are the key elements to the fair, which has been hailed as one of the most important in the Canaries.

There are 150 stands planned with more than 250 artisans taking part showcasing traditional arts and crafts. However aside from the crafts there is also a food tent, exhibitions and Canarian wrestling matches. The fair attracts locals; residents and tourists from all over the island and will be located at the fairground in Antigua .

The tres islas competition has put Lanzarote and Fuerteventura on the sporting map. In this competition you start on one island, cross a second and finish on a third – not bad for a day's work!

The popularity of the competition has meant that for the fourth consecutive year the Canarian authorities have given their support for this new form of ‘quadrathlon' – adapting the traditional triathlon to a more extreme, exciting event specifically tailored to suit the islands' natural conditions.

Starting in the smallest island in the Canaries, La Graciosa competitors will swim 2km across to Lanzarote, run up the highest point on the island, and then cycle the full length to Playa Blanca. From there, you finish in Corralejo, Fuerteventura . Thankfully for those taking part the last 10km leg of the journey can be achieved by any means other than motorized, windsurf, canoe, kite surf…. using just physical power.

The event may sound strenuous but its unique format ensures that you do not have to be a Daley Thompson in order to compete. You can either enter:

Solo. This would mean completing all four stages on your own – this includes not sharing a tandem bike or a craft on the sea crossing.

Individuals. Completing all four stages, the bike stage can be completed on a tandem and for the sea crossing you are allowed to share a sailing craft.

Team. Two, three or four people competing relay style.

The event takes place on the 2 nd June and closing dates for entrance forms is April 30 th , if you would like to take part we recommend that you apply for an entry form as soon as possible. If you wish to take part contact Youths United on 928 5923 29, email info@youthsunited.com , www.lastresislas.com.

Anyone over the age of 14 can take part. Competitors are encouraged to take a sponsor form to help raise funds for ADAPH (Helping handicapped people in the Sahara ) or the charity of your choice.

Swim, climb, cycle and sail - what could be easier?

Ever wanted to do a bungee jump? Ice skate on Fuerteventura ? Well now is your chance at the island's biggest Sports event. The second edition of the ‘Feria del Deporte' takes place on the on the 19 th – 22 nd April at Pozo Negro near Caleta de Fustes.

The aim of the Sports Fair 2007, is to showcase sports and physical activities that take place locally, throughout voluntary sports clubs and venues throughout the islands and also those not practiced on Fuerteventura . The event provides the opportunity for local adults and young people to access and take part in a variety of sports activities.

Last year the event proved a great success due to the island's first ever ice skating rink and bungee jump, providing locals with the opportunity of trying new sports not often seen on the island.

The event is organised by the Cabildo (local council) and is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities. There will also be the chance to discuss techniques and tactics with a range of experts. For anyone who's really inspired by what they see, there will be an opportunity to 'pledge' to do their bit in 2007. However if you are more of thinker than a doer, there will also be exhibitions and presentations including Canarian wrestling matches.

Mario Cabrera, President of the Cabildo said “The second Sports Fair returns to fulfill the same objectives with which the first edition was created. This fair has the double purpose of presenting new activities and sport disciplines that are not known in the Island , and to showcase the sports that are already practiced in Fuerteventura .”

Last year the Fair took place on the 15 th June – 18 th June and drew huge crowds. This year the organisers have put the date forward so that more school parties will be able to attend, the organisers expect at least 2000 school children during the event compared to the 700 who attended last year.

Due to last year's success new sports have begun to the practised on the island such as fencing and badminton.

Mario Cabrera hopes that the event will become “a forum of debate, exchange and meeting place for different cultures. Each year we want to incorporate different communities that join and showcase their particular sports to mutually enrich our cultures”.

Judging by last year's turn out the second edition of the Sports Fair will definitely score a top goal with locals, residents and tourists.

The tourism councilor at the Council, Olivia Estevez has signed a contract with Spanish media company ‘Cine Digital Canarias SLNE' to create a new interactive DVD. The DVD will showcase one of Fuerteventura 's more hidden treasures – the deep blue sea.

The objective of the DVD is to introduce and promote Fuerteventura to international markets as the perfect location in which to practice sea related activities particularly in deep sea diving. The DVD will be produced in five languages: Spanish, English, German, French and Italian and distributed at tourism trade fairs specialising in water related sports. It will also be available free of charge at the main tourism office in Puerto del Rosario and at the tourism department at the town council.

The media company will be responsible for all aspects of the film, from the visual to the audio including the design of an accompanying guide.

This latest promotional initiative aims to offer a new destination for activity holidays “which will without doubt fascinate divers – our deep sea waters have already attracted many professionals from this field” said Olivia Estevez. “We aim to create a new promotional tool useful to everyone who is interested in sport and nature in its most natural state”.

The DVD will also include information on the different varieties of animal and plant life found on Fuerteventura .

Spain will have the oldest population in Europe by 2050, a report claims.

The report, released on Monday by the European Commission statistics service Eurostat, said one in three people will be of retirement age by the middle of the century.

Low birth rates and longevity mean 35.7% of Spaniards will be over 65.

The life expectancy for men is currently 81.8% and 85.7% for women.

This compares with Luxembourg , the youngest nation in the 27-country block, which is predicted to have only 22.1% of its population over 65 by 2050.

Greece and Portugal are also said to have high elderly populations, with 32.5% and 31.9% over retirement age respectively.

Source - expatica

Property owners in the Canary Islands will be paying more for gas and electricity during 2007, as the Spanish Government has authorized an increase in utility prices nationwide for the coming year. But we still pay at lost less than anywhere else in the UK and Europe .

In contrast to the sort of inflation-busting price rises recently experienced in the UK however these adjustments are moderate. As electricity prices will rise by 2.8% and household gas by 2.2%. Telephone line rental charges are also up by 2%. These increases are below the current Eurozone inflation rate of 2.9% and still leave the overall cost of utilities in Spain amongst the lowest in Europe .

For more information visit www.freedom4sale.com

The government will inject almost 50 million Euros to the second phase of the hospital in Puerto Del Rosario. Thanks to this cash injection the hospital will grow another 35.508 m2 significantly increasing its numbers of beds, theaters, A&E, labour wards and out-patient surgeries.

A further 17 million euros is also planned for advanced equipment increasing the total investment to over 66 million euros.

Last month we reported that the first phase of the new improved General Hopital had been finished and was up and running with more medical staff, in line with the Government pledge to improve health conditions on the island.

According to recent figures released by the regional Canary Islands government pertaining to the first three months of 2007, there has been a 61% decline in the number of illegal immigrants arriving in the archipelago by sea from north Africa.

So far this year a total of 1,525 have been intercepted compared to 3,914 over the same period last year.

Last month only 303 arrived, significantly down on the last March when 2,120 successfully completed the perilious sea crossing.

It should be remembered, however, that 2006 saw an all-time record of illegal immigrant numbers with an annual total of 31,245 compared to 4,700 in 2005.

Source: Thinkspain.

New arrivals to Britain should not be taught English but cultural mixes such as Hinglish, Spanglish and Chinglish, according to a new report.

The Demos think-tank considers "Imperial" English outdated and believes it needs to adapt to the global reach of the language.

It argues that Government calls for newcomers to learn standard English are misplaced. Instead, they should be encouraged to learn blends such as Hinglish (Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu-English), Chinglish (Chinese-English) and Spanglish (Spanish-English) which is widespread in America , where it is also called Tex-Mex.

Earlier this week, Jack Straw, the Commons leader, said Asian women should learn English before being allowed to settle in the UK . Without it, he said, they would find it impossible to integrate or work.

But the Demos report says the language is no longer the preserve of the English, who are "just one of many shareholders' in a global asset".

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Parliament passed a gender-equality bill aimed at getting more Spanish women into elected office and corporate boardrooms - and more men heating baby bottles and changing diapers.

"Today is the first day of a different society," Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a self-proclaimed feminist, said during a debate before the vote.

The final tally in the 350-seat Congress of Deputies was 192-0, with 119 abstentions. The latter were from the conservative Popular Party, which has derided the bill as too interventionist. A total of 39 lawmakers did not attend the session.

The highlight of the so-called Law of Equality grants 15 days of paternity leave to new fathers. In 2013, the 15 days' leave will expand to a month.

Another provision of the bill says women must make up at least 40 percent of the lists of candidates that parties field in elections. It will be applied for the first time in May when Spain holds regional and municipal balloting.

In the business world, where Spanish women are grossly underrepresented, companies that achieve more of a male-female balance among their executives and at lower levels will receive favorable treatment when they bid for government contracts.

Zapatero, who has made women's rights and gender equality, a hallmark of a liberal-minded government that took power in 2004, said the law "will transform Spanish society forever and for the better."

Zapatero's 16-member Cabinet includes eight women, a first in Spain . Other measures in the new program aim to encourage the hiring of women in both the private sector and for government jobs.

The unemployment rate among Spanish women is 14.4 percent, compared with 7.5 percent among men.

The government has complained that, although Spanish universities educate more women than men, women are rarely represented at senior levels in the business world.

It says that among the 35 companies that make up the Spanish stock market's main index, only 2 percent of board members are women. Elsewhere in the European Union, the average is 8.5 percent, according to the Paris-based European Professional Women's Network.

In contrast, women were on nearly 15 percent of corporate boards at Fortune 500 companies in the United States in 2005, the New York-based nonprofit research group Catalyst reported.

To select a second hand property might be easier than to find one off-plan, as you have much more properties available to purchase which you can the visit and inspect before taking a decision. The difficulties are that sometimes or usually, the interested purchaser must deal with all related matters such as current mortgage/s over the property/ies, taxes to be paid, and a preliminary labour of investigation of the legal status of their chosen property.

Before signing any contract or making a deposit, it is advisable to check the following documents:

Ask for a “nota simple” at the land property registry, to confirm the information of ownership, size of property, if it is free of charges or if it is subject to any mortage, etc.

Check if the house is rented out or not, as per Spanish law tenants have a right to continue living in the house if they have a valid contract in place. That's why it is advisable to include a clause in the deeds that confirm it has not been rented out.

If the property is under a community, check with the community of any outstanding debts. A certificate of non debt should be asked for prior to the signing of the deeds.

Check the land status (plan parcial) in case the property is located within a development which could transform rustic land into urban.

If your house is near the beach, you should check if it conforms with Spanish coastal laws which set up a minimum distance of any house from the highest tide.

Check the building licence, certificate of completion of the building(certificado final de obra) and the certificate of occupancy (Which certifies the house is valid to live in and contract for the utilities such as water and electricity)

How much will a Spanish mortgage company lend me?

Lending in Spain is based on the valuation of the property, your residency status, the purpose of buying as well as your income. For urban properties 70% - 80% can be achieved although for a ‘rustic' property only 50% is available. Depending on the valuation of the property, it is possible to get up to 120% mortgage.

What types of mortgages in Spain are there?
Almost all mortgages are capital repayment and some include an interest only term. Fixed rates do exist but the interest rates are expensive. However, the Spanish mortgage market is constantly improving and the range of mortgage options has grown over the last couple of years.

What is the interest rate for mortgages in Spain ?
The interest rate in Spain is called the EURIBOR. This is the European Central Bank base rate and changes every month. 4% is a good indicator of the mortgage rate available to non-residents although some mortgage providers can offer a better rate than this. Compared with an average of 6% interest rate on mortgages in the UK , Spanish mortgages are much more affordable

How do I repay the Spanish mortgage?
If you are living in Spain and earning euros, you can pay your mortgage by monthly direct debit from your bank account. If you are living or working in the UK and wish to pay your mortgage in sterling, a commercial exchange company can arrange a fixed rate for monthly repayments so the sterling you pay for your mortgage remains the same regardless of exchange rate fluctuation.

What documents do I need to secure a Spanish mortgage?
Employed
1. Passport
2. P60
3. Last 3 months payslips
4. Last 3 months bank statements
5. Bank reference *
6. Employers reference *
7. Credit report *
Self Employed
1. Passport
2. Tax Return
3. Profit & Loss accounts for return
4. Balance sheet to date
5. Last 3 months personal & business bank statements
6. Bank reference *
7. Accountants reference *
8. Credit report *
* required for 80% borrowing

  How long does it take to arrange a Spanish mortgage?
It can take anything from 2 to 6 weeks to arrange a mortgage, so 4 weeks is a good indicator. Remember to allow for this extra time after you have decided on a property and paid the reservation deposit. A month on average is needed to receive your income documents and to instruct and obtain the valuation.

How much is a Spanish mortgage going to cost me?
In general terms if you are purchasing without a mortgage you will need to pay 10% of the purchase price in taxed charges and fees. If you are buying with a mortgage you will need to pay up to 12%. The fees are listed below:

Purchase Costs
7% IVA (VAT)
1% Stamp duty
1% Legal fees (there may be a minimum to pay)
Notary fees

Mortgage Costs
1% - 1.5% Set-up fee
1% Stamp duty (1% of mortgage value + 1% of total accrued interest)
Valuation fee
Notary fee
Arrangement fee (depending on the Mortgage Provider)

Do I need a Spanish lawyer?
Getting an English speaking Spanish lawyer is of paramount importance. The lawyer will check to make sure the property is legal and that the debts registered to the property, if any, are cleared before the sale proceeds. They also control the flow of money through client accounts, organise the connection of services, and if they have Power of Attorney, can sign at the notary to complete on your behalf.

Second hand cars are generally more expensive in Spain than in most other EU countries. They do however tend to hold their re-sale value better. In order to buy a Spanish-registered car you need a residencia, (residence card) or an NIE number, an escritua (deed) or rental contract for a Spanish property, or an certificado de empadronamiento (certificate of residence) in a Spanish community.

Buying a second hand car
Secondhand cars in Spain are often more expensive than in many other EU countries, as cars hold their value better. It often pays to buy a used car that's about two years old, as depreciation in the first one or two years is considerable. Ex- rental cars, are good value. Note, however, that older cars in Spain (outside of their warranty period) aren't always well maintained. You are much better to buy from a reputable dealer, even if you pay a bit more, and obtain a warranty, rather than pick an 'unknown' from the local paper. If you intend to buy a used car in Spain , whether privately or from a dealer, make sure that of the following:

The car has a current ITV test certificate, if applicable;
That the chassis number tallies with the registration document, which should be in the name of the seller when a car is purchased privately.
That you receive a `transfer of ownership' (transferencia) form from the seller. The form is available from the provincial traffic department.
Car dealers usually give warranties on used cars of from three to 12 months, depending on the age of the car and the particular model.

When you buy a secondhand car in Spain you must obtain the following documents from the seller;

1. Registration document (permiso de circulación). The Permiso de Circulacion is the Spanish equivalent of the English Registration document and owner's details have to be changed when vehicles change hands. However, this is a far more complicated process than in the U.K.

2. The ITV test certificate plus the technical sheet 'Ficha Tecnica' and a photocopy.

3. The road tax receipt and a photocopy.

4. A receipt for the payment of transfer tax (4%).

You have 15 days to register the vehicle in your name.

VERY IMPORTANT ADVICE ON PURCHASING SECOND HAND CARS
It is vital that a history check is made on the vehicle before you purchase it. This is the Spanish equivalent to an HPI check in England .
This check is important in Spain because just like property, previous owners debts can be put on the car. This can include unpaid social security, loans and taxes. The debts stay with the car, so it is now the responsibility of the new owner to clear the debts.
If you have any concerns regarding a Spanish registered vehicle you may have purchased privately, there are qualified companies that would be happy to check out the history for you, and offer HPI checks on English registered vehicles.

Buying a new car
When you buy a new car from a garage, you will need to supply them with a copy of your national insurance number form which was given to you by the police station. You will also need to produce evidence of your address such as a rental contract or house deeds etc. The garage will undertake all the registration process with the Trafico department.

This process usually takes two working days. A new car does not need an ITV (MOT) for four years. Your new car should come with one year's road tax paid to the local council. Check this. On collection of your new car you will be given the registration document. Keep this safe; a replacement will be expensive and very time consuming. DO NOT KEEP THE ORIGINAL IN THE CAR. Take the original and a photocopy to the Town Hall and ask them to stamp the photocopy as a true copy of the original. Keep the copy in the car and save the original at home. You should also carry your insurance certificate with this, as well as a receipt for your premium paid.

Every year the statistics tell us of more and more people leaving the UK to set up home elsewhere in the world. Spain has always been a top destination. Its close proximity to the UK has meant that ex pats have been able to have it all. We are close enough to have the option (should we choose) of visiting the UK to see family and friends yet we are able to enjoy a lifestyle millions only dream of back in blighty.

I know why I decided to move and it's probably the same reason as thousands of others, but just for fun our reporters hit the streets of Fuerte to ask you the reasons why living in the UK is no longer an option.

Cheap booze and cigarettes? - Yep, despite additional taxes leavied on cigarettes in 2005 & 2006, a pack of cigarettes still only sets you back around 2.50€. A decent (unembarrassing) bottle of wine is around 3.50€ and, even better, cava, the Catalan champagne, will only set you back around 5€ (depending where you are in Spain). If these prices mean anything to you, then you know what I'm talking about.

Good weather is good for you. It goes without saying that bright sunny days are positively stimulating. There's nothing like a healthy dose of sunshine to fill you with energy and joie de vivre. Ample scientific research has shown that safe exposure to the sun's rays boosts your immune system and, among many other beneficial effects, helps to lower blood pressure, stress and we look good too.

Spanish people are still relatively “unaffected” - You just don't see a McDonald's, Starbucks and Blockbuster on every corner. The people still have choice, and it's good.

Tons of great beaches – miles of unspoilt coastline combined with the great climate, makes great beaches. Most of them are (optional) topless beaches, and some are nude beaches.  By July the water temperature is warm, and it's hard not to want to be at the beach.

The cost of living is still pretty low in Spain with many everyday expenses far lower than you would find in the UK. Eating out is a way of life, affordable and often outdoors. There are so many restaurants you really are spoilt for choice with traditional Spanish food sitting alongside traditional English – including Chinese and Indian!

A much more relaxed lifestyle - After all, it is the land of sun, beaches, siesta and of course fiesta! It's reputation as a relaxed, laid back and friendly place seems pretty well deserved to me, especially in the Canaries. The further north you go in mainland Spain, the less relaxed and more “European” the people seem to get.

Find the local bars and restaurants – There is so many bars and restaurants that aren't in the tourist guides. You'll soon find your favourites where you'll be surrounded by locals and other expats.

Register for something - including your empadronamiento, your NIE, health insurance, a bank account or a Telefonica line. Involving yourself in the Spanish social and economic system is FUN… once you take out your frustration on a punching bag or share your misery with friends….

And finally….call home - Make people jealous and remind them of all they are missing sunshine, less crime, lower taxes, cheaper petrol and NO labour Government!

Is there an over use of pesticides in the Canaries? Are we all at risk of developing cancer? Apparently not say agriculturists.

The use of pesticides entering the human food chain is an argument that has raged for years and consequently research has shown us that many that were traditionally used are unsafe and have been banned.

Recently I was caught up in a debate over the illegal use of pesticides and banned products in the Canary Islands . I decided to do some research to discover whether what I am eating is actually going to cause me long term harm or if my smoking, drinking and love of bbq's will get me first!

The Canaries have been accused of using more than the recommended amounts of pesticides per square hectare than mainland Spain . In return the island's agricultural sector has argued that these figures are flawed, mainly because the largest areas of cultivation on the mainland are used for Citrus and wheat products and the products that were tested are not used in this type cultivation.

Farmers believe that the amount of pesticides used in the Canaries should only be compared to areas in the mainland with similar land characteristics and growing the same products, mainly fruit and vegetables.

Furthermore, not all the pesticides and herbicides have been used for agricultural use, and the agricultural sector have maintained that the above average figure also included rat poisons used in urban areas and other non agricultural pesticides.

So is this argument justified? The department of agriculture in the Canarian Government admits that the islands are warranted in their use of pesticides because cultivation is intensive due to the lack of arable land and also by the introduction of more than 60 different pests and blights into the island putting in danger typical products such as the potato.

In the past ten years researchers believe that more than 60 different pests and plagues have entered the islands. These have probably been introduced through fruit and products banned in the EU, but nevertheless finding their way into the Canaries. One such pest has been the recent ‘picudo rojo' a species of voracious beetle destroying Canarian palm trees that was probably introduced by imported, usually inferior products.

But I think the most persuasive argument against believing that there is an over use of pesticides is by looking towards the recent past to the health food scares in the UK and Europe . One of the major food scares affecting Europe and the one that put the UK on the map was BSE or ‘mad cow disease'. There were outbreaks of the disease throughout Europe but none in the Canaries. Another major example was the ‘pandemic' ‘bird flu'. BSE may have been an ‘epidemic' but bird flu became global. It appeared that nobody was safe and outbreaks were recorded throughout the world – except Canary Islands .

I don't know if these arguments would stand up in a court of law and I would be hesitant to take part in a political debate surrounded by the ‘organically righteous Greens', so do I believe the hype? Most certainly not.

Situated in Caleta de Fustes nestled along from the Tropical and Havana bar lies ‘Bahia de Cata'

or as it's popularly known Nestor and Emma's place. Translated, ‘Bahia de Cata' simply means Cata Bay and is the area in Venezuela , were Nestor owner and chef hails from.

The restaurant has been opened 3 years in November and has already achieved cult status among its dedicated following for great food and a fun atmosphere.

Nestor is probably the most entertaining restaurant owner in town and often takes time out from the kitchen to the dining room greeting his compañeros in both Spanish and English as they find their way to their tables. Emma is the perfect foil to Nestor's exuberance offering advice on the menu and ensuring that our dining experience is enjoyable, in fact she often noticed before we did that our wine glasses were empty – now that is great service!

Taking advantage of the mother in law's visit we tried Nestor's on a Tuesday not really expecting it to be busy, but it was, so it's probably wise to book ahead. The décor is a cross between a tropical beach hut and an exotic restaurant with low lighting radiating coziness and hospitality.

Emma showed us to our table and sorted our drinks. Unfortunately it was a school night so potent cocktails were out of the question! Instead we chose a gutsy red recommended by Emma and a bottle of Vina Sol.

The menu has a good range of dishes with enough choice to cater for all tastes including fish and Veggie options. All the dishes are cooked to order using only fresh ingredients “nothing is from a cube” said Nestor.

The range of starters was good with plenty available for the more adventurous eater keen to try something a little more exotic than is normally found in Caleta. We decided to try the fried yucca (5.50€) served with the magical Bahia de Cata sauce, garlic prawns cooked in a Caribbean style sauce and flamed (6. 75€) and the fried green bananas (4.50€). The deep fried Yucca looked like parsnip but tasted like a nutty potato, fluffy on the inside with a lovely crisp outside. This starter was accompanied with the Bahia de Cata sauce which is one of the stars of the restaurant and after trying it I can understand why. To say that the Bahia de Cata sauce is creamy and hard to stop eating is like saying water is wet. It is a sublime amalgamation of cream, garlic, fruit and I'm sure I detected a hint of something alcoholic. It really was a sauce for all seasons and went well with everything I dipped into it including the mother in law's salad.

The prawns with Carribean style sauce were not what I expected but this is not a criticism as they were delicious. I was expecting a hot sauce; instead I got plump prawns covered in a rich tomato sauce which managed to be sweet, salty and savory. Utterly delicious.

We ate at a leisurely pace with a nice break in between our courses. The mains were enormous and I immediately thought no way will I manage to eat such a big plate of food. I was wrong!

We ordered two house specials on the recommendation of Emma who told us that these dishes together with the sublime Bahia de Cata sauce were the most frequently ordered foods on the menu. We had the Jack Daniel ribs (13.25€), Estofado (10. 80€) and fillet steak served with a homemade pepper cream sauce (11.90€). The ribs were meltingly tender and had been marinaded for over 8 hours in Nestor's secret recipe sauce. We begged for the recipe but the only ingredient he would divulge was the Jack Daniels! These were fat and sticky and very messy to eat just as good ribs should be.

To describe Estofado as a meat stew is unjust. Chunks of prime meat cooked for hours in their own juices was delicious and something that we will definitely be returning for. The chunks of meat were bombs of flavour that were so tender it made eating with a fork difficult as the meat came away on the fork. The steak was good and cooked the way I like it. Thick fillet caramelized on the outside but rare on the inside.

All the mains were accompanied by salad, potato wedges and rice and beans. This would be my only criticism of what was a fantastic meal – there was just too much! This was a shame as the salad was crisp, the potato wedges packed a crunch and the rice and beans were very tasty all just begging to be eaten which was difficult as the portions were enormous. Although in the name of research we gave it a good try!

he combination of tastes is a full-on assault on the senses and one I shall definitely try again and again. Though many restaurants ride a tide of artificial sauces, flavourings and salt to win over customers' hearts, something can be said for full-flavored, unrestrained cooking that packs a punch and is delivered by the bucket load

Tired, fatigued and drained? Too much sun? Want a fantastic treat of pure bliss without breaking the bank? Want to feel beautiful?

If the answer is yes, there is no better place than pampering yourself at the Hotel Geranious Spa and Well-being centre located in Caleta de Fuste. The hydrotherapy spa offers the latest technology to offer you the ultimate experience in relaxation.

Spectacular water pavilion with three pools at 14º, 32º and 36º, equipped with water beds, hydro massage seats, whirlpool, cascades, neck jet, bithermal shower, jet shower, pebbled walkway, deckchair-submersion, solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, cool cabin, etc.

Experience well-being through the use of water. Enjoy the benefits whatever the form. Our staff will assess you on the personalised treatment that you need to recover your peace of mind, revitalise you or simply to help you relax.

In the Geranious Suites Spa and well-being centre you will find a warm water pool (34°), with a hydro massage, water massage for the lumbar area and two water jets especially designed to massage the neck. There is a hot pool (38°), with another hydro massage and one cold water pool. Pediluvium (treatment for the feet and legs).This area also includes a sauna, steam room, an ice room with an ice generator with a free fall of ice flakes, a biothermic and an essential oil shower. Choose the essential oil required at a touch of a button either lemon or orange to energize or choose from the relaxing lavender and oriental cocktail.

Once suitably energized or relaxed why not indulge in one of the many specialist treatment on offer? The beauty centre boasts to massage rooms, a Vichy shower guaranteed to cure all your aches and pains, whirlpool bath, sun bed, beauty salon and hairdresser.

Enjoy a massage suit all your needs or pamper yourself with mud body wrap, alternatively choose from one of the many latest innovative treatments for the face and body including chocotherapy and wine therapy.

After a hard day at the Spa, take advantage of the beauty centre and hairdressers to complement your treatments. All products used are Phytomer, a leading contender in skin-care products for over 30 years. Phytomer uses a scientific blend of Marine ingredients to create their unique line of products.

If a day doesn't seem like long enough, you can choose between several prepared programmes for 1, 2, 3 or 7 days: relaxation, health, vitality, anti-stress, facial rejuvenation, circulation, aroma & colour and rheumatologic programme.

For those fully energized there are also two squash courts, a tennis court and gym.

More information: Paseo Marítimo s/n. Urb. Caleta de Fuste Fuerteventura Tel: 902 530 335 Fax: 902 520 335 E-mail: geranios@solvasa.com

Okapi Dogs Home, the only Dog's home on the island of Fuerteventura has been established since 1997 and since then it has found new homes to over 6500 unwanted dogs. The goal of the shelter is to care for homeless and abandoned animals, looking after them and in many cases nursing them back to health. Okapi aims to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, loving domestic pets and instead finds them new homes providing them with a new lease of life.

Okapi exists mainly thanks to the donations it receives from members of the public, protection agencies and occasional help from the ayuntamiento. The home needs between 8,000€ and 10,000€ per month therefore donations are always welcome.

Donations have been used to purchase kennels, beds for all the dogs, vaccines to be given to each dog that is brought into the Shelter, pet food, vets, operations, and many comforts to ease their stress while they are at the Shelter.

The Shelter neuter, microchips, vaccinates, worms, heartworm tests and lifetime registers each pet before it leaves. They encourage responsible ownership and will not release dogs that have not been neutered to be used for breeding purposes, or as guard dogs.

We assess each dog during its stay, testing it with other dogs to see if it is non-aggressive and how it behaves and it will stay with the shelter until the perfect home is found for it.

In our time at the Shelter, we have found that most dogs are able to be re-homed and compatible if given a second chance in an understanding and loving environment. Currently we have 115 dogs waiting for a new home, however if you cannot give a dog a home we always welcome volunteers to walk them or to help out with the puppies.