|
|
|
Reflections
is published quarterly by Dr. Alexander R. Lees & Associates Inc.
Please contact us
if you would like to start receiving this free newsletter. The Joys of Living in Spain It’s been pointed out to me that each of us sees through our own eyes. No, that doesn't mean we should swap eyeballs, but refers to the perceptual aspects - what meaning we as individuals, assign to events and situations. For instance, the towns of Spain are alive with fiestas. In one perception, this represents a time for fun, a time for gaiety. See old friends, and renew acquaintances. The fiesta is a place the police can go to receive free drinks. Nothing quite as entertaining as observing an inebriated officer crab walk in the general direction of some offending individual, whereby a heated exchange takes place on every subject save the "offence." Then, supporting each other, stumble toward the nearest parade float for further "refreshments." You know the original offence is resolved or dismissed, when one assists the other in dispensing the remains of the bottle to the waiting crowd'. When the lights, television & fridge stop working in Canada, it's construed as a power failure. Something is '~vrong." What an interesting perception. In Spain it is merely a signal they use to let you know the fiesta has started~ You see, they have to turn off the power so they can connect the light decorations hanging above the streets. The fact that international banking comes to a grinding halt and ATMs eat your card is really just a way of ensuring those not home are also informed about said fiesta. Please, do not construe the lineup of non-moving cars ahead of you as a parking lot. No, No, No. This simply means that two good friends have stopped for a chat. And only one of them occupies the car up front. Direction giving has an odd perceptual bias in Canada. Generally it's used to assist someone in reaching a requested destination. Here it is used for sightseeing to new and interesting places, some of which aren't even on silly maps, so how would you get there otherwise? Our good friend Santiago, Director of the hotel/residential complex where we live, stopped by for coffee one day. This gesture would be construed as a social get together in Canada. Wrong. This "meeting" outside his office, ("walls have ears") was to inform us privately that an "event" was to take place. All the living U.S. presidents were booked into our complex in July. A large financial deposit had arrived, complete with members of the CIA who were, as we spoke, "casing the joint" for security reasons. In due course, uniformed and non uniformed Spanish army and police arrived. The U. S. Secret Service was everywhere. The place was completely sealed off from the rest of the world. No cameras or bags allowed. The band started. The TV cameras were rolling. People were swilling champagne and nibbling on tapas. No presidents. Not a one. In North America - a faux pas. Bad P.R. A political and social slap in the face. Funny about perceptions. In Spain, it means "fiesta time." It had been kindly paid for by the good people of America! What a lovely international gesture! So we celebrated. 'Til 3:00 am. The only confused, sober looking faces belonged to the U.S. Secret Service. But that's okay. Spanish perception of things accepts that too. People have said that "culture shock" is the greatest factor in switching countries. "Drop your old ways of perceiving things and embrace the new, if you want to survive," I was told "Big adjustment, watch out," was another. Spain's message is "keep what you have, and expand i(~" Lesson learned. Dr.
Alexander R. Lees How beautiful it is to
do nothing, and then rest afterward
A Clove of Garlic Garlic may improve more than just the taste of your rice or pasta, according to the Therapeutic Foods Nutrition Council. Researchers in Germany & India have learned that garlic can have a significant effect on your mood. Study participants regularly consuming small quantities of garlic experienced less anxiety, agitation & irritability. Researchers believe that garlic triggers a release of serotonin in the brain, affecting behaviours including sleep & memory and the ability to cope with anxiety, pain, aggression & depression.
"When we're talking to
God, we're praying. Lily Tomlin
Patient: "Doctor, I have
a serious problem. Doctor: "Ah, yes, obviously, you 're too tense."
"The way I see it, if
you want the rainbow, Dolly Parton
Guest Columnist The summer season is now upon us; the Costas (the Coastal resorts) are brimming over with happy visitors enjoying temperatures rarely below 35 degrees C and beaches that are immaculately groomed twice daily. So what do all the self respecting residents do? Head off into the mountains to find a brief respite from the heat and crowds. We recently took four days "off work" and drove south into the Sierra Nevada mountains of Andalucia. (Approx. 500 kms from Campello). As we neared the city of Granada, with clear blue skies and a temperature of 33 degrees C, we were amused to see road signs depicting snowflakes! Frost Warning!! Even at this time of year there is a decent amount of snow on top of the Sierras creating a dramatic contrast.. .our trip was to contain many. One route that we took into the heart of the Sierras (meaning saw toothed mountains) was an adventure unto itself The road was narrow, steep and winding through magnificent alpine like scenery that rose approximately nine thousand feet above sea level. At the summit we found ourselves on a very fertile agricultural plateau and very quickly became lost in the largest vegetable plot in Spain! Around, across and through we went with not an "exit sign" in sight. As we passed by yet another field of lettuce, tomatoes & runner beans with the car running on empty and the women verging on hysteria, (thank goodness there was a therapist on board) we spotted civilization and made a dash for it. No sooner had we filled up with gas and started our descent down the other side of the ridge, than we were pulled over by half a dozen serious and heavily armed Guardia Civil (Civil Police). I don't think they were looking for vegetable thieves! (Turns out, they were looking for a white Alfa Romeo, but of course, with different license plates.) The scenery changed yet again to smooth rolling hills in various shades of yellow and brown, like a patchwork quilt, which visually made for a very soothing drive to the next community and the hotel/resort with thermal springs that was our destination for the night. Many of the villages that we passed through had a population of under 5,000 and mules seemed to be the favoured mode of transport, which made sense after trying to maneuver a car through the steep, narrow streets. In the village of Canillas de Albaida, famous for its 10th century Moorish shrine, spectacular views of the Sierras and miles of vineyards (Alex wanted to stay here) and olive groves, we were entertained after lunch at the local bar. The owner proudly showed off his mule and her two rather boisterous offspring, and the whole bar emptied to watch the show and applaud. We later found out that it is extremely rare for a mule t~have twins! Such are the simple pleasures of life there and one leaves all the better for it. And so here I am again on the coast, in Campello, with all these memories still fresh in my mind whilst I search in vain for a parking spot; as for one in the shade, well, I'll just wait 'til September! Jacqui McCulloch Bent's Corner The question most people ask us is "What's it like living in Spain?" The answer is "hot!" It is now officially summer and this morning the temperature was 42 degrees C at 10:30 am. This small fact determines what life is like living in Spain. Things have slowed down to a crawl. The traffic has quadrupled and it takes twice as long to get anywhere. Housework should be done before 9:00 am, otherwise one is exhausted, and all they have done, is take the laundry down. (Dryers are not needed here.) Any strenuous activities such as shopping for groceries or doing errands, happen after 6:00 pm or before 10:00 am. So that leaves about 8 hours which is devoted to finding new and exciting ways to beat the heat! We both now understand the need for a siesta in the middle of the day. That way one has enough energy to go out at night and do some fun stuff. Last Saturday evening we went with a group of people to dinner at an excellent restaurant in a town called Altea. Because it is summer and there are thousands of tourists everywhere, it is difficult to find a parking spot. We were lucky and found a spot that was still in the city limits. Then proceeded up the winding, twisting, narrow streets of cobble stones to the top of the hill. At the top is a beautiful old (500 yrs.) Cathedrul and a large square. The square has restaurants and bars all around its perimeter with tables set up in the square. After our wonderful dinner, which we finished at midnight, we went shopping in the square! Altea (which is Arabic for the healing place) is known for its artists and their work. All the little shops are open until 1:00 am and one can buy the most beautiful jewellery, leather goods, pottery and ceramics. The atmosphere is full of good cheer and everyone is having a good time. I couldn't resist - I bought some jewellery! On our way down the hill we stopped in another little square that afforded us a magnificent view of the Mediterranean. The lights from the harbour and marina were twinkling, and we could also see the towns up and down the coast, bathed in a soft glow of light. The air had a scent of pine trees and the faint sound of music could be heard. After such a wonderful, mellow evening, we wandered on down to our car and had a leisurely drive down the coast, to home. Yes, home for now, is Spain. There are many things we miss about Canada, especially the people (that's you folks). We are fortunate to be meeting very nice people here and that helps with our home sickness. When our year is up (October) we will make a decision as to stay or not, in Spain. So far, it is a wonderful place to live, even if it is hot! Rest assured, if we do decide to stay, we will be taking our next "holiday" in Canada, and hopefully say hello to all of you.
|
|
