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The Wild Asparagus Hunters are Out and About

It´s that time of year. Cars parked in odd places, the solitary person - usually a man, popping up above a bank or from behind an olive tree. The hunters of the wild aparagus are here. The plentiful rain scattered with a day or two of sunshine has brought them out in droves. Some have their route, others instinctively know where to go. They appear, walking back to their cars, with a huge bundle of foot long green spears of asparagus. And off they go, probably not to be seen for another year - or another week if the rain continues. No matter how hard the shoots try and hide the older men hunt them down with stick in hand, to fob off the spiky old growth, and uncover the tender new stems of wild asparagus. Everyone has their favourite way of cooking them but the most common seems to be in a Tortilla - the thick Spanish potato omelette to which you can add anything that comes to hand - or is hunted down. My one or two shorter stem finds don´t come close to the experienced hunters catch. I...

That Mañana Attitude and Hours Don´t Count

You know after fifteen years of living in Andalucía the attitude to time and promptness still amazes me.

We have Spanish friends that are always late, so much so that if we´re arranging to meet them at their house or a particular destination we aim to arrive 45 minutes after the agreed meeting time.

Then we still have to wait for them.

I questioned one of my mature students that comes to my house to practice his English. He´s always punctual and so are the kids delivered by their mums. "Ahh that´s because we´re paying" he said. I asked if he was on time for other things. "Only work" was the reply. If you´re meeting friends I questioned. "Well no, we say 9pm I maybe get there for 9.30 or 9.45"

I shook my head and still do.

I know it´s summer now and none of the Spanish go to bed early. Well last night we were in bed, hubby reading me lap toping when the phone went. It was 12.30am and a Spanish guy making an enquiry for a weekend in our holiday home. I mean 12.30am? Where are their manners? Ettiquete?

What do you think? I personally wouldn´t phone anyone in England after 10.30 and the Spanish well 11pm probably would be my self imposed limit. What about you?


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