The end-2014 stats give the largest groups
of foreigners living in Spain as:-Romanians (1.0m), Moroccans(0.8m)
and Brits(0.3m). I say 'suggest' since no one really knows how many
Brits - for example - are living here without registering with the
local town hall or taking up official residence. Or even just living here for
just under the 6 month level that's relevant for tax purposes. A
number nearer a million is occasionally quoted.
I cited a recent increase in mortalities on
Spanish roads, after a decade of impressive falls. According to El
Tráfico, this is because of 'economic improvement'. Others feel
it reflects a drop in road maintenance during 7 years of recession
and austerity.
Spain, I was told years ago, is a country of low
ethics and low trust. That's why you have to produce your ID card for
even small bank card purchases and to take delivery of everything.
Here in the UK, things are a bit different. On Friday, my friend Dave
bought some paper napkins marked down by a pound. At the check-out, the
girl asked for the full price. When Dave commented, she simply asked
what price he'd seen and charged it. Then, yesterday, I took some
shaving cream to the pay desk in Boots and expressed surprise at the
price of 10.75, saying I thought it was 2.69. The guy said 'OK' and
charged me the latter price. Then last night Dave told me the Co-op
had agreed to give him a 12 quid roll of tape for 2.50 because the
wrong price tag had been put on it. Now, this really is good customer
orientation. BTW: When I checked later on line, the correct price of
the shaving cream was 10.75. My 2.69 was the price of a tiny tube of the
stuff . . .
If you're coming to the UK from Spain - or
anywhere, for that matter - bear in mind that the hand driers in most
places here are now made from redundant NASA jet engines. They dry
you hands by stripping it of the wet layer of skin.
He cooks; he cleans; he likes women who swear and
drink . . . Not just me, apparently, but also Stanley Tucci. Whoever
the hell he is.
I had lunch with my daughters yesterday. Among
the 'Pub Classics' was Chicken Makhani Tiffin. As if.
My mother's instructions for her tea - I like
quite a lot of milk, but not too much. I got it right, astonishingly.
Finally . . . Overheard in a MacDonald's in
Liverpool, as a group of young teenage girls was getting up to go:
Well, that was fun, cherubs. Nice.
 |
| Oh, f----n' hell |
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