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20 | Gazette Life | February 2026Readers are reminded that views and comments expressed within the Ed%u2019s Postbag page are those of the contributors and may not necessarily reflect the opinions or standpoint of our staff. It should also be noted that we are an independent publication free from political persuasion or governmental censorship.EES QUERYDear Gazette,We arrived on the island yesterday afternoon to be confronted by a large queue at passport control due to the use of the new EES computers.We didn%u2019t mind this, as we thought that once this had been done, things would be easier next time we visited our apartment, as all we%u2019d have to do is scan our face or finger prints and we%u2019d be through passport control.When we were scanning our passport and faces a member of staff approached us said we%u2019d done everything we needed to do and asked us to carry on. We hadn%u2019t scanned our fingerprints at this point, which confused us and I asked why we didn%u2019t have to do this. He repeated that we were done and I asked would we have to complete this process again next time we entered Lanzarote and he said yes, every time we enter Lanzarote.Now this to me seems incorrect, as I thought that once EES was completed, we wouldn%u2019t have to do it again. Also, I noticed that there wasn%u2019t a queue available for people who had already registered to go straight through to have their passports stamped.Do you have any details as to what the situation is in Lanzarote, regarding the EES system is please?Thanks, Mark NashEd: The EES is still being phased in and is not yet applied to all flights that arrive. It seems as though your flight was exempted and only had to pass the separate e-gates which check passports. However, once the scheme is fully up and running, you%u2019ll have to register a facial scan and fingerprints, and these are likely to be checked on subsequent visits. Ed%u2019s Postbag Once again, the Contessa Guapatini puts on her rubber gloves and deals with your postNew Year regrets, reflections, and ruined resolutions.SIDE-EYEING HIMDear Contessa, %u201cMy man flirts with everyone when we go out. Should I be worried?%u201dThe Contessa replies: %u201cDarling, a little flirting keeps the blood moving and the ego polished. But if he comes to my show at Guapatini%u2019s and flirts with me%u2026 then yes, my love %u2014 you%u2019re probably screwed. I don%u2019t lose often.%u201dCONFUSED BUT SPARKLY%u201cDear Contessa, I don%u2019t remember New Year%u2019s Eve, but I woke up with glitter everywhere. What can it mean?%u201dThe Contessa replies: %u201cIf the glitter is on your face, you had fun. If it%u2019s in your shoes, you danced. If it%u2019s somewhere unexpected %u2014 light a candle and say thank you. Some memories are optional.%u201dOPTIMISTIC FOOL%u201cDear Contessa, I promised myself %u201cno drama%u201d this year. It lasted three days.%u201dThe Contessa replies: Darling, drama doesn%u2019t disappear %u2014 it simply changes outfits. Aim for better drama this year: better lighting, better entrances, and fewer messages sent after midnight.THINKING TOO MUCH%u201cDear Contessa, How do I know if I%u2019m actually happy this year?%u201dThe Contessa replies:%u201cIf you laugh more than you sigh, sleep better than you scroll, and still leave the house feeling fabulous %u2014 you%u2019re doing beautifully. Happiness is comfort, not perfection.%u201d%u201dThe Contessa Guapatini is the star and owner of Guapatini%u2019s Show Bar in Puerto del Carmen %u2014 TripAdvisor%u2019s No. 1 live entertainment experience in Lanzarote. She believes laughter, sequins, and a little sass can fix almost anything%u2026 even your in-laws.Just the Tip