June 28, 2013
Sitting at a café in España you would never guess that the
country was in the midst of a devastating financial crisis. Over fifty percent youth unemployment and
twenty percent in the general population, higher crime, and the constant admonishment
of the EU, Spain is supposed to be in bad shape. Yet the streets are bustling with life and
commerce. Almost all restaurants and
cafés are full during meal hours. The
only stores that I see closed are those temporarily shut down because the
owners are on vacation. Very few ‘se
aquila’ or ‘se vende’ (for rent or for sale) signs are seen.
So where is the crisis?
Ask the locals and they will tell you times are tough. Jobs are difficult to find. Those who have them are working longer
hours. Deep austerity measures have been
enforced by government without concern for the protests of citizens.
Spain could be similar to the US in this respect
though. The recession supposedly hit us
hard. Yet most of us still had our cellphones,
cable and game systems. We still enjoyed
a night out at the movie or restaurant or wherever. We still owned a car or two. And how many of us actually starved?
The situation appears the same here. Times may be tough, and I’m sure that as in
the US, some feel it more than others, but honestly, how bad off is a society
that can enjoy the materialistic pleasures of life like good food and drink and
entertainment? But then again, I see
only the surface of things. I am not a
citizen nor have I lived here for a significant amount of time. I just call it as I see it.
Since I have written this entry I have talked to a few
Spaniards. One in particular explained
that the Spanish socialize differently than we do in the states. For example, often we invite our friends to
our homes and have cook outs and such.
The Spanish, on the other hand, usually socialize outside of the home. They meet in public spaces like cafes and
parks and such. While it might appear as
if they are out drinking and enjoyed meals, they might buy one beer and sip it
until they go home or even share meals (which is common anyway). Interesting.
