I recently met a young man called Koen Darras, a self-proclaimed “Adventurer, Keynote Speaker and Content Creator”. He is the first person in history to climb the ten highest mountains of South America and Africa in succession and conquer the iconic peaks Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, and Eiger in just nine days.

From summiting Denali in Alaska to traversing entire continents, Koen is an undeniable risk-taker and he likes to film it all. He hopes that by pushing his own limits and sharing these expeditions as a full cinematic experience, he may inspire others to step out of their comfort zones too.

Once of his next objectives is to be the world’s first person to cross the Atlantic by kitesurf, some 5,000 kms and 60 days at sea. He plans to start out from the Canary Islands, travel via Cape Verde and then head towards the Caribbean. Although Koen will surf alone he will be accompanied by a sailing boat all the way and a very dedicated team.

In order to prepare for this 2027 mission Koen had been training in the Canary Islands and took the time to come to Marbella on his way back to Belgium to share his passion for this very ambitious adventure.

Koen was accompanied by his 10 year old daughter Lio, who kindly helped me with some recording for the TV interview that I with her dad. From just the brief encounter it was easy to see that she, like her father, embraces the belief that limits are only invitations.

What a great team they make and what an inspirational encounter all round.

Between April 13 and 19, officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic Group set up a grand total of 3,537 control points across Spain. They checked speeds of a massive 1,256,540 vehicles during this period. The figure shows an increase of more than 235,000 checks, even bigger than the previous summer operation. It just goes to show that the traffic authorities (DGT) are cracking down harder than ever on speed.

Speeding incidents contributed to 22 per cent of fatal crashes in 2024, making it one of the leading causes of all road deaths. The authorities are now responding each year with ever more targeted enforcement and additional cameras on Spanish roads.

Motorways see majority of penalties

To give an idea of the issue, both DGT and Guardia Civil officers recorded over 78,000 drivers breaking speed limits, representing 6.2 per cent of all vehicles monitored. Motorways and dual carriageways accounted for 53.5 per cent of these penalties, with 41,772 fines dished out there. This area shows a 10 per cent rise versus conventional roads, where officers issued 34,215 fines.

Fifteen drivers faced court proceedings for exceeding limits by more than 80 km/h. Such extreme cases have doubled over the past two years.

Lawmakers consider new 190 km/h offence threshold

Interior Ministry officials are now supporting changes to make rules more effective at stopping dangerous behaviour. A proposal before Congress is hoping to automatically classify driving at 190 km/h on motorways as a criminal offence with potential jail time. The idea is to deter reckless actions that put lives at risk on high-speed routes where many violations occur.

New support line helps accident survivors

At the close of the enforcement week, traffic chiefs introduced a dedicated helpline for people affected by road crashes. The 018 number now delivers free assistance to survivors and their families dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and practical difficulties after incidents.

The service is available in English on request, is not meant for emergencies (continue to use 112 for that), is a free-of-charge call, and is available from 8am to 9pm daily. There is also a WhatsApp version on +34 645 713 823, and even an email service (also possible in English) via victimastrafico@dgt.es.

Trained psychologists, social workers, and legal experts will be staffing the service to help anyone who has been affected by a road accident in Spain. They guide users through administrative processes, provide emotional counselling, and monitor serious cases over extended periods. This resource addresses growing demand from individuals coping with long-term consequences of collisions on Spanish roads.

Change in speeding culture in Spain

Speed enforcement is really starting to take off in Spain as a form of changing a decades-long culture of pushing the accelerator down too far. With more vehicles checked and stricter rules under discussion, drivers can expect ever increasing pressure to respect limits, especially on high-capacity routes.

Malaga residents have welcomed the public into their historic shared courtyards this Tuesday, 5 May, launching an annual celebration of communal living. These traditional spaces, located within La Trinidad and El Perchel neighbourhoods, provide a glimpse into a lifestyle defined by mutual support and harmonious co-living rather than private isolation. Anyone can explore the grounds until May 9 and will be warmly welcome to participate in historical walks and cultural talks that define this unique social experiment.

Community togetherness beat floral competition

Flowers cascading down whitewashed walls may well rival the famous displays in Cordoba patios, yet the real focus is on human interaction rather than individual spaces. These patios function as open-air living spaces where neighbours can, and do, share daily life, shared chores, and conversation. Maintaining these spaces requires year-round neighbourly dedication from those residing in the district, making sure that the local identity remains intact.

Participants view this week as a demonstration of social harmony rather than a simple contest for the most decorative garden, like in Cordoba. Everyone is safe; no one will be robbed, no one will dirty the area with graffiti or drop litter; everyone paints, hangs pictures, waters the plants and cleans the space.

Preserving social legacy in historic districts

Historical structures dating back to the 19th century continue to serve as essential residential spaces for the elderly. Recent renovation projects have helped maintain these buildings, allowing dozens of potentially vulnerable citizens to live with dignity and consistent care. Local residents stress that preserving such traditions is vital for maintaining the spirit of Malaga as well as looking after eachother. Such environments provide much-needed activity and social engagement for older generations who might otherwise face loneliness.

Challenges facing traditional neighbourhood fife

Concerns regarding the expansion of tourist accommodation weigh heavily on the minds of those living in these districts. Many fear that the rise of holiday rentals threatens the long-term viability of affordable social housing and their neighbourhoods. Local activists argue for more residential stability and fewer short-term lets to make sure that neighbourhood life continues to thrive.

Diminishing social participation and a lack of interest from younger generations present even more hurdles for the future of this tradition. Greater financial assistance and better incentives from authorities are now required to protect these living monuments of working-class history. The “Corralones” are open for everyone to visit until May 9.