Waiting at the school reception I hear English voices. They want to know what they should bring to school for their three-year-old daughter and they’re trying to explain how difficult it is for their nine year old to complete four pages of Spanish homework when she doesn’t speak Spanish. It’s a bewildering experience for parents and children alike and there is so much room for misunderstanding. In this case the school administrator, who speaks English, is sympathetic, listens patiently and is very helpful. But that isn’t always the case. It occurs to me how useful it would be just to have some basic introductory information for parents of English pupils just to help them get started. Not … [Read more...] about Kitting the kids out for school in Spain
Archives for February 2012
La Liga: Guardiola keeps Barcelona guessing
Any seasoned FC Barcelona fan knows there comes a time in every season when coach Pep Guardiola’s contract renewal is talked about by the press and mulled over by the man himself, before he signs up for another year. Since taking the helm at the Catalan club in 2008, he has always insisted on signing on for one-year contract extensions at a time in order to keep up his own high standards as well as those of his players. But this year, something feels altogether different. There is a nervousness in the air, other offers are being discussed and his players, who usually go through these same motions annually, seem more unsure about his future than ever before. One look at his record in … [Read more...] about La Liga: Guardiola keeps Barcelona guessing
The Serrat–Sabina generation: sitting comfortably
Looking back over the last 50 years of so of popular music, it’s probably a safe enough conclusion to draw that at least one of the secrets of a performer’s enduring popularity is to be inexorably associated with fast-changing times. For most of us, however banal it might seem to the rest of the world — and we may ourselves not even realise it at the time — there is always a moment in life after which things are never quite the same; a high point or an event, a moment, after which events overtake us; when we grow up and settle down to earning a living, raising a family; that sort of thing. For the more Romantic among us, the times leading up to that high point in life, otherwise known … [Read more...] about The Serrat–Sabina generation: sitting comfortably
Is Spain set to follow Greece?
Even without fully grasping the situation in Greece right now, it’s difficult to read the list of austerity measures being imposed on it without feeling shocked. Public workers like teachers must return wages, because the debt deal is backdated to November. The government must cut €300m from public pensions, leaving people in and approaching retirement destitute. Greece must auction its €110 billion gold reserves in the event it fails to meet targets, removing the absolute last means of funding itself when all others are exhausted. For its pains, in all likelihood Greece will be forced to return to Brussels in 12 months to request more funds, because these same demands are pushing it … [Read more...] about Is Spain set to follow Greece?
Renewing a UK passport in Spain
There are four ways in which you can renew your passport: • Send the form off yourself from Spain • Go to Madrid • Return to the UK to obtain your new passport • Or use a service like ‘Check and Send’ Completing the form If you choose to process your application yourself you need to allocate plenty of time and read through the instructions very carefully. The passport photo is a particular hurdle to negotiate. The guidelines for this have become tighter and it must: • Have a cream or pale grey background • A neutral expression – no smiling! • Be printed on high quality photographic paper • Have a clear view of your face – no stray hairs You need to obtain a counter-signatory … [Read more...] about Renewing a UK passport in Spain
A bit of Greece in Valencia
Even before the disturbances this week in Valencia, the city and its surrounding region laid claim to some pretty worrying badges of honour. It’s the capital of Gürtel, the biggest political corruption scandal in Spain of recent times, and the home of Francisco Camps, the former Valencia regional premier who was absolved of any involvement in the affair after insisting he pays for his €3,000 suits in cash and doesn’t bother keeping the receipts. It’s also the most heavily indebted region in Spain, with a €20-billion deficit, leaving it perilously close to failing to make a debt payment to Deutsche Bank recently. It hosts Castellón airport, perhaps Spain’s most notorious white-elephant … [Read more...] about A bit of Greece in Valencia
Rajoy, reform and the burden of employment expectations
As thousands took to the streets at the weekend, it quickly became clear that the Partido Popular’s approach to job creation had more than a few critics. Focusing their anger on reforms passed on February 9, critics called out the new government’s efforts to reduce mandatory severance pay from 45 to 33 days per year worked and allowing what they felt was an unfair freedom for companies to opt out of collective bargaining agreements and adjust wages and hours according to their financial standing. The Rajoy government insisted that it “wants to give firms the ability to modify workers' hours in response to demand rather than simply laying them off, bringing an end to the rapid rise in … [Read more...] about Rajoy, reform and the burden of employment expectations
Starting children in Spanish schools: the big decisions
I had thought it strange that his nursery contained very few older children - in fact Joseph looked to be almost the eldest. Now I understood why. Although it seemed to be only five minutes since he was born, he could officially be starting his school career in September at only three years old. But was he and was I ready? Parenting involves a constant round of decision-making, sometimes with a minimum of information. Choosing schools and, in this case, when to start, is perhaps one of the biggest. I knew that his nursery would not interest him for very much longer. He's a lively boy who is not at his best when he's bored (as our neighbours will vouch for) and he needs the stimulus and … [Read more...] about Starting children in Spanish schools: the big decisions
La Liga: Valencia’s thrashing underlines Spain’s class divide
Valencia coach Unai Emery is under no illusions. Asked if it was impossible to compete for second place following defeat at the hands of a revitalised Barcelona side at the Camp Nou on Sunday, his answer was short and to the point: “Sí”. The 5-1 thrashing against their direct rivals for the runner-up spot illustrated, perhaps somewhat unfairly, the chasm that lies between the big two of Barça and Real Madrid and the rest of the league. The eagerly anticipated clash couldn’t have started better for Valencia, who took the lead after just nine minutes when Pablo Piatti struck, but Los Che were completely undone by Lionel Messi. The Argentinean netted four times – to stay hot on the heels … [Read more...] about La Liga: Valencia’s thrashing underlines Spain’s class divide
Goya 2012: no joy for Almodóvar
I can’t say I was unhappy to be proved wrong in predicting the winners at Sunday’s Goya Awards. Never believe the media. Given the hype, Pedro Almodóvar’s The Skin I Live In looked set to sweep the board, with 16 nominations. But instead the Spanish Film Academy gave the best prizes to Enrique Urbizu’s No Rest for the Wicked, which carried off Best Picture and Best Director, while veteran José Coronado took Best Actor for his portrayal of a maverick cop in the gritty police thriller — the fabulous curly perm he sports in the role was worth an award in itself. Interviewed as he entered the gala event at Madrid’s Opera House, Almodóvar gave the impression he had been tipped off that he … [Read more...] about Goya 2012: no joy for Almodóvar