Five weeks in and Spain and it’s a lot less intimidating. We’re rapidly finding our feet now amidst all the adversity and the ‘manana’ attitude of local services and government departments. Look, we’re under no illusion and never were because of course, we prepared mentally for a culture that is very proud of being very relaxed, laid back, under no pressure, hurry, call it what you like. But then of course the reality sets in when you are trying to get things done and any amount of so called preparation goes out the window. Things do get done ...eventually. You just need incredible amounts of patience, a greater grasp of the language (that we are still grasping at) and plenty of time to wait. I have a great admiration for the Spanish and their quest to live a stress free timeless existence at the expense of those whose lives revolve around clocks and their need for instant gratification and all demands met. I do mean that sincerely and they are astress free people. We’ve been waiting three weeks for a home phone and an internet connection. Daily trips to Starbucks to use their WiFi is taking its toll as are the daily phone calls to find the tech and make an appointment ...any day now, we remain hopeful.
Semana Santa came and went as did the crowds. The city is a bit quieter and all the statues, icons and religious paraphernalia are safely back in their churches and cathedrals til next year. This week Abril Feria de Sevilla begins. It’s a weeklong celebration of all things flamenco, horses, carriages and fabulous costumes. A large area of the city is set aside for Feria and attracts huge crowds. But let me say this, it’s a fairly exclusive event and this is a major criticism of tourists and visitors to Feria who don’t have the right access. Let me explain. Feria is like a huge fairground but with streets laid out in a grid pattern. All along these streets are little wooden houses called Casettas. These are rented by locals with money and they spend the week there entertaining their friends and relatives. All very lovely of course but if you don’t have a Casetta or know someone who does; you’re a bit out in the cold ...so to speak. Well anyway we don’t have to worry because our landlord is ‘connected’ and we’re invited. We’ll let you know how it goes!
The Spanish lessons continue and we work on the language daily. We’re determined to have a reasonable grasp of the language in 6 months. I’m not sure yet how realistic this is as I have a dreadful memory so will put all my faith in Margriet that she will!
We continue to meet people and make new friends. We’re still the new kids on the block and attract an amount of interest and curiosity which is nice. There are the Irish and the Americans, a few Brits, a smattering of Dutch and as many Spanish who seem to view us with amusement as to why we would want to come here. But then Andalusian’s are a bit of an enigma themselves compared to the rest of Spain. The country seems to be broken into enclaves of groups who think they are the better quality Spaniards and almost put themselves a class above the rest. This is especially true of the Andalusians. They are very fond of themselves.
We’ll go to a break now for Feria...
P&M
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