There were two Bank Holidays this week and neither on a Monday. The first, on Tuesday was Día de la Constitución - Constitution Day. The second, on Thursday was for La Inmaculada – The Immaculate Conception. Work Monday, off Tuesday, work Wednesday, off Thursday and work Friday – there was no sign that people made a week of it. Of course they are used to these arrangements.
As a result there was no Spanish class on Tuesday. I walked in to town in case and to see if there was anything specific going on. There wasn’t. There were more people about generally, enjoying the sunshine as it was a very pleasant day. The shops and bars were open as normal.
On Saturday I had a good wander around the Arab parts much of it dating back to the 13th century and include The Moorish Baths – Baños Arabes. This area is below the Puente Nuevo – The New Bridge, itself built between 1751 and 1793. Even though much lower, there are still great views over The Guadalevin Valley.
On Sunday I had intended taking a good walk up in to the hills across the Algeciras Road. It had rained overnight and although it didn’t rain during the day the very dark clouds threatened a downpour so stayed in and caught up with washing etc.
I had spoken to a couple of my brothers-in-law about the car. They were helpful but it needs looking at. Although I could show the fact that the engine management light is showing there is no way I would be able to understand a Spanish mechanic and have established that the garages – other than the Seat main dealer, don’t speak English. On the good old Internet I found an ex-pat garage that specialises in diagnostics. I spoke to the Irish owner and he will check it out on Thursday. The trouble is the garage is in Coín, about 50 miles away, about 2/3 of the way to Malaga. I hope it gets there. If they have to keep it I shall have to hire a car or stay overnight depending on whether parts are needed and/or available.
The Christmas lights are up in the town but there is little sign of the crazy commercial rush that takes place at home. I have so far only seen one house with obvious decorations – Santa Claus models climbing over the balcony. The shops, while they have some decorations and posters about Christmas offerings are not garish.
Birmingham at last managed another win and Posh a very creditable draw at Leicester. It is an interesting statistic that Posh with no Premiership experience in the squad have scored 25 goals at home while Birmingham with only one of their main strikers not having played at the top level have only scored 25 home AND away combined! I still have not yet managed to get to a Deportiva Ronda game.
Next weeks’ tasks are to get my hair cut…… that should be interesting. I am practicing various obvious phrases with the help of Spanish Dict.com. The other main task of course will involve the car. It would be great to feel reasonably confident about driving to some of the mountain villages. The trip to Coín itself will be interesting but I hope without incident.
The nearest translation of Grumpy Gramps is Gruñón Abuelito.
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