OUR REGULAR NEWS FEATURE FROM

SUNNY SPAIN    

May 2010

The beginning of the month was marked by

International Dawn Chorus Day

(Sunday the 2nd)

... which is one of the most enduring and popular environmental events on the calendar...

The simple concept is of early morning gatherings to hear the dawn chorus in the open air – perhaps followed by a hearty breakfast! 

The Rollers have arrived which further reinforces the fact that summer has started

The Hoopoes are in evidence although perhaps not so much so as in recent years.

(Their call sounds just like an early mobile phone before the days when the Hallelujah Chorus, Bat out of Hell etc took over).  

Our day now begins with a magnificent flying display by the “red sparrows” otherwise known as the swallows,

 

From the 3rd of May to the 9th we celebrated

Lavender Week link , which was most appropriate as the lavender in our garden has been very prolific this year -

although I have to say that it’s mainly the French Lavender that has done so well.  

In the second half of the month Barcelona won the Spanish League (La Liga) for the 20th time and so in the time honoured fashion of football fans celebrations there were riots in the streets of Barcelona with over 100 people arrested about 120 injured traffic lights, rubbish bins and shop windows smashed

while riot police baton charged supporters and fired rubber bullets.  

What is it about football

It perhaps escapes the notice that the bitter rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid does not simply rest upon football, but also has a racist foundation, in that Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia -

whereas Madrid is the capital of Spain proper (Castilian).

On the subject of football there is a close link with the changes required to cope with the warmer weather especially amongst the ex pat and tourist communities. 

For some inexplicable reason the average Englishman buys a football shirt when he and his waist are both around 26 and continues every summer to don the offending garment while waist and age exceed the 50 mark!   Why any portly old gent should assume that I believe he is Beckham, Rooney, Gerrard or whatever is beyond me.  I swear I’ve even seen the odd Moore and Matthews from time to time!  

Spaniards are not the most elegant dressers in the world; I think that accolade probably goes to the Italians, but for all that they do wear summer clothes and not old sports strip which for some reason is adored by the British.  Perhaps this is because we do enjoy reliable summers here (as do the Italians) whereas in Britain they are patchy to say the least. 

On the subject of football of which I know absolutely nothing, what is David Beckham there for? 

Is it just to look pretty ...

like an American Cheer Leader

or what? 

The sea change in the weather has brought about a similar change in our diet which now typically consists of tostada for breakfast, perhaps grilled fish at lunchtime and seafood salad for dinner. 

Sadly we seem to be coming toward the end of the local asparagus and strawberries although for this we should be thankful because I suspect we are both suffering from a surfeit of strawberries.

However, just around the corner the cherries are coming and that for Sue and I is a time of over indulgence and gluttony !  Roll on.......

The local melons are of course at their peak - and the Canary Island bananas are readily available, and their gorgeous scented flavour is much superior to the plastic things that are at times imported from Brazil and the Caribbean. 

Off for a banana !!!              bye for now …

sShhh ...PSsst

Sue says remember to click for more in her

Spanish Garden:

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