Talking to British Consul Paul Rodwell - "Our man in Alicante"

When Brits are abroad, whether on holiday or ex-pats who have relocated, they have the reassurance that the British Consulate will offer help and assistance to its nationals in times of need. The one which serves this region is located in Alicante, in fact, it actually covers two entire provinces -Valencia and Murcia. It stretches from as far north as Castellon - which is half way to Barcelona all the way down to Murcia! Being responsible for representing so many Brits abroad, you would imagine that there is an army of staff.  There are 170,000  officially registered on the padron - but in reality it is more likely to be double that figure, plus approximately 3.5 million tourists who come on holiday to this area every year -  the said "army" consists of 8 staff!

I visited the brand new Consulate in Alicante yesterday and met the British Consul Paul Rodwell. The office was officially opened by the Ambassador 2 weeks ago, who made the journey from the Embassy in Madrid. The office is quite easy to find although I must admit I was looking out for a British Union flag to be protruding from a building as a guide - but there isn´t one! A plaque on the wall indicates you have arrived at the very modern mirrored building and upon entering you take the lift up to the 6th floor.

The office is all open plan (even Paul sits there with his team) with a partitioned off waiting area for visitors and a separate meeting/conference room and additional small interview room. One nice touch is having a television playing British news whilst you wait - always a comfort to hear your own language when in distress. The staff are trained to carry out all duties, but when it comes to victims of crime, especially those of a  "personal nature" it is left for the female staff to deal with.

Paul has been the British Consul here in Alicante for nearly 3 years now having previously been posted in the Algarve, Portugal. I was surprised to discover that he didn´t come via the traditional Civil Service or military route, but had a hugely successful career in hotel management with some of the biggest and most exclusive groups, taking him extensively around the world.

The move into the new premises was completed in four days - quite a feat and included all the cabling for the telephones and computers - which was carried out by British contractors as they had to have security clearance! The team of seven which Paul has working with him are all fluent bi-lingual speakers - something which Paul insists on considering that they have to communicate and liase with various Spanish authorities on a daily basis. And he practises what he preaches as he too is totally fluent - but then having a Spanish wife may have something to do with that! He also has two young sons which are being raised to speak both languages, something that most definitely will come in useful.

The 3 main priorities of the Consulate are Security, Prosperity - promoting trade and investment between the two countries and Consular services - helping and supporting vulnerable Brits abroad.

The Consular services are probably what most Britons will experience and come across if needing the services of the Foreign Office.  The Alicante office dealt last year with the highest number of lost or stolen passports of any Consulate in the world - over 1000 passports. It is certainly a record they would like to lower if possible and they have issued a number of safety videos about lost and stolen passports. It is a very costly and time consuming process so please look after yours - although having said that, they can turn an emergency passport around in 2 hours... but be aware, it is only valid for a single journey to get you back to the UK. You will then have to apply for a full 10 year passport upon your return - and obviously pay again!

Other things which the Consular staff deal with on a daily basis include hospitalisation, death & bereavement, victims of crime, welfare - dealing with the homeless and mental illness... all hard core stuff and I would imagine, emotionally draining. Similar to doctors they all adhere to Consular Confidentiality and cannot discuss any cases outside the office.

Plush new waiting area.

Paul´s primary objective is to focus on the vulnerable in offering proffesional effective consular support. Secondly, he emphasised how many local charities do a "tremendous job" to help those people, by building up a good support network.
One way they do this is by pioneering a project called "ConeXiones" whereby Spanish social services work closely with the local English speaking voluntary sector to offer support to Brits abroad.

At last years festival - lost passport applicants!

 Their final aim is prevention - to avoid Brits getting into trouble in the first place. A very good example of this is that Paul is going up to Castellon at the end of this week to work with the authorities who are involved in Benicassim - a four day music festival which takes place in mid July and when tens of thousands descend on the town - music and copious drink equaling a certain recipe for many lost passports! Last year Paul made a video which is available on YouTube having spoken and interviewed victims of crime at last years festival and hopes that youngsters will be able to relate more readily to someone their own age and the potential pitfalls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii7pW26_Td0

Paul also added his Top 5 tips to expats living here to avoid having problems:
1. Remember to tell friends and family when visiting you to get an EHIC nad comprehensive insurance.
2. Don´t let your passport expire - you may have to travel urgently and that will mean getting an Emergency Travel document and a 10 year full validity passport - expensive and time consuming.
3. Visit your local town hall to become acquainted with the services they offer - if habitually resident, register yourself on the padron.
4. If you are looking for information on a UK government department, please look at www.gov.uk - it will save you phoning us or coming in!
5. Turn to your local authority in the first instance for help (112, social services, local town hall etc)

As if that isn´t enough for a days work (and Paul is generally at his desk around 7.30am), he also sits on the board of Consular Services for Southern Europe - consulting with his peers on improvements, charities and providing a strategic overview for British nationals abroad... and with his background in the hotel industry, he is very particular and adamant about customer satisfaction. So if you thought that the Consul sits in his ivory tower all day think again....

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Sunday market in Albir

As is the tradition in Spain, every town holds a weekly outdoor market - and Albir is no exception. Located on the outskirts of Benidorm, it is easy to get to - hop on the number 10 bus and you will be there in no time, yet it has a completely different atmosphere! 

Queuing for the spit roast chickens!

The market has been going for just over 2 years - having started at the very end of 2010. Located on the main Hight Street on the site of the municipal car park, it certainly attracts hoards of people every Sunday... I sometimes wonder where they all went before it opened.

It has certainly rejuvenated the area - all the cafes, bars and restaurants are full to capacity - many of which use to be shut on a Sunday until the market started. It has been great for the area and there is always a good police presence.

You can find the usual selection of clothes, shoes, bags - including the fake designer copies, jewellery, ceramics, a large fruit and veg section, fresh baked products, delicatessen and the indispensable cooked chicken stand... which always seems to have a huge queue!

You can hear all nationalities walking around - and there is a real mix of tourists and residents.

Like most markets it stays open till about 1.30/2pm and it is then the job of the bin men to get everything spick and span in time for business openings on Monday - and they always do a great job. Why not give it a try - then  on a lovely sunny day like today you can head down to the beach front, only about a 10 minute stroll and enjoy a drink or lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants along the promenade. It is a pebbly beach - so if you are not a sand lover perhaps an option for you. 

Throughout July and August they will be opening a night market as they have in previous years - but this time it will be in the car park in front of the "Frax" building, which is right on the beach front near to the Kaktus hotel.

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Actor Jake Canuso aka Mateo from the "Benidorm" series

Actor Jake Canuso, otherwise known as Mateo in the ITV hit comedy "Benidorm" is probably the most recognised of all the cast in the series and constantly being mobbed by fans where ever he goes. But as he told me, it goes with the territory and he is very appreciative of the huge fan base he has built up thanks to the series - he has over 46,000 followers on twitter!
I remember Jake from the "Cobra" beer advert many many years ago, where he raised his eyebrows very provocatively... a role that seems to have followed him with his current character in the Benidorm series!

At the pool bar when ITV "This Morning" broadcast in 2012

Everyone associates Jake as the "sleazy promiscuous Spanish barman" but you couldn´t get any further from the truth in real life - he is a lovely guy and certainly a very good actor. He hit our screens from the very first episode and told me that when they wrapped, the cast all said their goodbyes to each other not really thinking they would be back again... how wrong were they! The cast and crew first descended on the resort in 2006 to film series one and Jake told me that they all stayed in hotels in the centre of town. He wasn´t so well recognised then and could quite comfortably walk about - but seven years on he creates pure pandemonium whenever he is seen.

Chatting with Jake in the "Solana" reception area

Jake has been acting for 10 years now having entered the entertainment industry as a trained dancer. Born in Switzerland to Italian parents, he is fluent in several European languages - and his Spanish is excellent. He had some basic knowledge as his sister lives in Mexico, but since returning to Benidorm year after year it has improved immensely - I remember hearing him in conversation with the Mayor Agustin Navaro and he can definitely hold his own. He moved to Paris at the age of 16, remaining there for 2 years before relocating to London - which is now home.... obviously when he isn´t away filming.

Jake in one of his eye catching briefs!

His agent is constantly bombarded with offers and requests and I was curious to know why he chose to take part in the ITV celebrity diving show  "Splash" earlier this year. He came runner up with "Eddie the Eagle Edwards" winning and interior designer Linda Barker coming in third.... but it must be said he definitely came top for fittest body and tiniest swimwear - but boy did he look yum!
He "liked the challenge" was his response, plus he was a huge fan of Tom Daley and had met his father Rob before his tragic death from brain cancer.

Jake was obviously a competent swimmer but had never done any sort of diving, apart from the edge of the pool when on holiday like most of us - well I excluded myself from that statement! The contestants had just 2 weeks of training before the show - and only 2 hours per day, otherwise I suppose they would have resembled a prune had it been all day. Jake trained with Tom twice a week down in Plymouth, which is where Tom is based then the other days in Southend by Bill and Damien who are both Olympic trainers. The show took place in London so he spent more time commuting between the 3 locations than in the pool. The first day he was strapped into a harness and had to practice twirling and diving off a dry board and by the second day he was on the 3 metre board at the poolside, but still in the harness which helped to guide and control his entry into the water.

Jake is extremely fit, which was most obvious as we got up close on the sofa but he admitted that he discovered muscles and pain like never before despite being a regular gym goer - he even manages 3 sessions per week whilst here filming in Benidorm! They all suffered injuries and Jake´s was well documented when he hit the bottom of the pool, cutting the bridge of his nose open. Fortunately he didn´t break it but it had to be glued together and initially there was doubt as to whether he would be allowed to dive again as there is a health & safety policy about entering the water with an open wound. But fortunately all ended well and we saw Jake in his itsy-bitsy speedos - 2 of which he has very generously donated to auction for a children´s charity in Calcutta.... well done Jake, I hope they raise lots of money.

Jake in character as Mateo 

So what are his plans once filming finishes I asked. Well he is taking a well deserved break - and as he loves the area so much will stay here, with his parents and sister coming over to join him - I bet they won´t know whats hit them when they go walking about he is mobbed in the street!

But he will be back - yes next year for series 7 which is fantastic news but much sooner than that - in July to launch his 2014 calendar! Let me tell you, I have had a sneak preview and boy, will he set temperatures rising - the pictures, many taken here are by an amazing Scandinavian photographer and I assure you absolutely breathtaking. Once dates have been confirmed Jake will let me know and I will in turn publicise what is bound to be a very well attended event, which will take place at Mateos second home here - Neptune´s Bar - aka Morgans Tavern!  He also has a beach towel in the pipeline - can you imagine lying on top of him in his scanty speedo trunks... a definite Christmas wish list item!

At reception with Mateo!

Jakes other recent projects include "The Bible" an American production which was also recently broadcast here in Spain- where he was cast as Daniel Prophet with a completely different look and also as Frances Barbers lover in another Tiger Aspect production "Bad Education". I am confident we will see much more of this hugely talented actor - and delighted that he "cut his teeth" here in our fabulous back yard.
I was even lucky enough to receive a "Solana" All Inclusive wristband from Mateo....

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Are you drinking enough water?

Are you one of the many who drink bottled water instead of tap water? In a recent report Spain is among the five largest per capita consumers of bottled water in the world, drinking about 5,000 million bottles per year - which equates to approximately 100 - 150 litres per person!

But there are many conflicting reports and non have proved inconclusively the benefits of drinking bottled in preference to tap water - which obviously costs far more... in fact, between 200 and 1000 times more than tap water. It is essential, especially in this hot weather to stay hydrated and drink plenty - and I am not referring to alcoholic beverages either.

Many choose bottled water as they think that the tap water in Spain "bad" - it´s not bad but probably tastes different to what you are use to. In fact, even across the UK, water tastes different in each region. However, remember that the chances are you take ice in your drinks and probably eat plenty of salads whilst here on holiday ..... what sort of water do you think is used for that? Certainly not bottled water!

A report published recently highlighted the energy involved in making the plastic bottles - producing a glass worth of bottled water releases 185gm of CO2 into the atmosphere, the same as a car travelling one kilometre! Another consequence of the consumption of bottled water is the waste it produces - only 13% goes to landfill sites, the rest is strewn in streets, parks and public places causing environmental damage.

Drinking plenty - but my guess is not water!

Statistics show that Public Administrations in Spain consume between 5-10% of the total and if this was replaced by tap water in meetings and conferences then it would save the tax payer in the region of 50 million euros per year! When you look at it like that it is a phenomenal amount of money...

With temperatures hitting the 30´s along the coast, possibly even more and remaining high, it is crucial that you drink plenty of fluids during the day - especially if you are out in the sun enjoying the fabulous beaches. Take some with you...
It is actually unheard of to ask for tap water here in restaurants, unlike in the UK - where they will often bring you a jug of iced water to the table.... not sure why really!

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Beach Huts on Benidorm beach

Chiringuito in Altea - just before the harbour

Benidorm Town Hall have joined the growing trend of other local beaches and granted permission to allow the installation of "chiringuitos" - temporary kiosks on the beach, much to the anger of local bar and restaurant owners.

Yesterday, Gema Amor - Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Tourism confirmed that two permits had been granted - one will be on Mal Pas beach and the second has yet to be decided. She emphasised that beach bars are common in other municipalities and that it will not bring unfair competition as they will have to be 150 metres away from other businesses. The beaches are owned by the Coastal authority and permission can be granted so long as the relevant Council gives its approval - to date Benidorm has been against the idea.

Opposition PP Councillor Jose Ramon Gonzalez de Zarate has been very vocal in his opposition to what he calls the vagueness of the proposal stating that it is unclear how many there will be and what they will be allowed to sell - despite the fact that it was announced that two would be opening... maybe he was having a nap!

Popular beach hut in La Olla, Altea

I can´t understand how the bar owners can be so against it though. On any street, whenever a bar or cafe opens on one corner then you can virtually guarantee that another will open on the opposite one shortly after - and there is nothing to stop them doing so. The council cannot "ban" a bar, restaurant or come to think of it an estate agent or hair salon opening just because there is already one next door - if that was the case most "High Streets" in Spain would be deserted!  At least with this proposed 150 metre rule it gives them some cushioning.

They are certainly an asset - you just need to go to one of the many in Altea and you will struggle to find a free table and chair - some even serve food.... it is all very rustic and gives you a real taste of Spain. I will certainly be popping along to one or two over the course of the Summer to enjoy a glass of something cold....

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Casinos in Benidorm?

Casino Mediterraneo in Alicante - nearest to Benidorm

Benidorm Council has submitted a proposal to the Minister of Finance of the region, Juan Carlos Moragues an economic report to seek permission to overturn the ban on opening casinos within hotels. To date Government laws prohibit the opening of casinos within a hotel but do allow some gaming machines - with restrictions.

The reports estimates that if the ban was lifted then it could generate up to 1,400 jobs in the area as well as offering tourists and visitors an extra dimension leisure wise. Around 30 hotels have expressed an interest in the plan and the Council would also like to make it easier for other establishments such as campsites to offer gaming machines on their premises. According to sources, seven hotels in the centre of Benidorm would like to open up gambling arcades within their complexes.

Lucky´s in Benidorm - nearest Benidorm has to a casino

Only recently the "Benidorm" film crew descended on Luckys gaming arcade - which is located next to the Marina hotel to shoot a scene at a "casino" - they had to get a roulette table all the way from Torrevieja specially for it!

The nearest casino to Benidorm is in Alicante - Casino Mediterraneo, located at the harbour after the one in Villa Joyosa closed some years ago. However, there is a bingo hall, fairly similar to a Gala or Mecca in the UK, located at the top end of the Avd Mediterraneo, opposite the Plaza Triangular and like the casino you have to be over 18 to enter and show photo ID. I find it quite strange that they are not allowed to advertise the prize money on offer until you are inside the establishment, but gambling laws are very strict here. It is very plush inside and they offer very cheap subsidised meals which you can enjoy in between playing.

Many bars, especially the British ones and hotels play bingo but you will never see it advertised as such - normally it´s referred to as "Eyes Down" or "Housey Housy"...
Every now and then the police will crack down on venues but it is certainly a very popular past time with the Brits, as you will observe if you ever walk past... and the prize money in some of them is amazing - think I may have to have a stroll down this evening!

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Who coordinates the extras for the Benidorm series?

Well filming of the sixth series of the hit ITV comedy "Benidorm" is on the home straight - with just 3 weeks left - last scheduled day is 27th June. The cast and crew have certainly bought some life and excitement to the resort, with groupies following the Primoti vans around! One of the thrills for many of the locals living here is the chance of becoming an extra, as was apparent when hundreds turned out for the auditions back in March at the Melia hotel.

Helena and Javier

I met up with Helena recently, who works for "Mediterranea Audicion" - the company responsible for supplying all the extras, at the production office which is located in the "pink house" to find out what her job entails.

Her official title is the "extra´s co-ordinator" and this year she is fortunate to have Javier to assist her - in previous years she has had to handle all the work load herself... and boy, is she kept busy! It´s a very intense time but Helena loves it and tends to excel under pressure - which is just as well. Many people think that she just sits around on set  all day and makes a few phone calls - if only...

For this series they have over 300 extras on their books who have to date made 822 appearances - by the end of filming that figure will be around the 1000 mark. Helena´s is job is to provide all the extra´s required for the background in any scene being shot. This year they have 21 children - the youngest is 5 and oldest is 12 years old but by law, the maximum that they can work is 6 hours per day unlike the adults who employed to do a 12 hour day.

Javier making calls for following days list

Most times she is asked to provide a cross section of extras but there are times when they have specific requirements - hair colour, moustache, people with a good reactions and around 10% are for special appearances from local actors. The hardest age group to find are the 35-45 year olds as most are working during the day - they can do 1 or 2 days by taking time off but often they are needed for longer due to continuity. A lot of her and Javiers time is spent on the phone - if they need 20 extras then  on average they have to make 60 calls!

Helena counting the extras into Morgans

This is Helena´s second year of working on the Benidorm series and despite the long journey - she lives in Alicante, she loves her job which enables her to meet so many different people. They both agree that it´s the extras that give them the energy to carry on every day. When they are filming at Neptunes she is up at 5am....

Extras Stuart & Nicky outside Luckys in May for casino scene

She has worked on many productions over her 8 years in the industry - one of her most notable, apart from Benidorm obviously, was Dr Who when it was filmed down in Almeria. One thing which she wanted to mention was how well the British companies pay for their extras in comparison to Spanish companies -  they only pay 30 euros per day and given a sandwich. When she started on the Benidorm series she couldn´t believe that everyone - cast, crew and extras all ate the same food and together, something that would never happen in a Spanish production - there all the extras are kept well away.

It´s not always sunny on set - taking cover from the rain!

Before going home every night they have to complete the list for the following days extra´s and submit it to the Social Security office to notify them who is working. This is why only those who have an NIE and social security numbers can work as an extra as it also affects the insurance cover - this wasn´t the case in the first few series when another company was in charge. Only recently one of the extras slipped by the pool and needed to be taken to hospital - fortunately nothing serious happened, but with so many cables and equipment everywhere it´s easy for an accident to occur.

On set at the Sol Pelicanos

There is so much paperwork involved it is probably the worse part of the job - something on which they both agree. It is the one aspect that no-one ever really sees or appreciates either but they love the job and all the personalities which they come across. Javier is a bit in awe of Helena as she knows everyones name - hopefully if there is a next time (Im not saying there is or there isn´t) Javier will be as on the ball with names as she is... women are so much better at multi tasking though so it may take a little longer Javier!

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