Obviously, then, this is a work-in-progress. I
will be making additions from time to time.
What this list isn't is an analysis of
Spain and its people. It's a simple list of likes. It doesn't, for example,
address the critical importance of personal relationships here. Nor the issues
of 'localism' and 'nationalisms', for example. These merit a long, objective
book, not just a short, subjective list.
You may feel there are inconsistencies in this list. And this impression may
grow when you compare the Positives with my future list of Negatives. This is
inevitable; countries, like people, can be a hive of inconsistency.
I have a long-standing view that the people with the greatest strengths also
have the greatest weaknesses. Whether you like them - marry them, even -
depends on the net balance. What this means, among other things, is that you
can still love people and countries than infuriate you from time to time.
My view of Spain's net balance is very positive. As I've said several times in
my blog, it's the best of the six cultures I've lived in and certainly
superior to that of the UK. However, I've also said this may reflect my age
and circumstances and that it's quite possible I'd reach a different
conclusion if I were far younger and trying to set up a business here.
If I were to sum up Spain's positive-ness, I'd say it keeps me young. I
realise, though, that some readers may not regard this as a plus if it means
I'm going to go on writing about the place. But, in truth, this is not
something I worry much about. If at all.
SPAIN'S POSITIVES
Although the items in this list are not in any particular order of merit, it's
traditional and probably right to start with its people. Briefly, they're the
most sociable, affable and welcoming in the world. They have a huge sense of
fun and vitality. They know how to enjoy life. They love to talk and are
brilliant at it. There's no one better in the world to sit next to on a plane
or train than a Spaniard if you want to make the journey pass more quickly.
They're proud, informal, direct and very pragmatic. They have superb
eye-contact and are very tactile, especially the women. Finally, they have the
capacity to be very noble.
Compared with the UK, Spain is more sane, more equal, more fun-orientated and
less class-conscious. As yet, there are far fewer examples here of ‘political
correctness gone mad’. In short, this is a less anally retentive/neurotic
society than many others; safety, for example, is not a god on whose altar
common sense must be regularly sacrificed. Nor is it afflicted by phobias
which bear little relation to reality. Overall, it is a relaxed and relaxing
society in which to live.
Reflecting its history and it cultural influences, Spain is the most
interesting country in Europe. Her fascinating cultural heritage is at least
the equal of any other country, though widely underrated. A passionate Dutch
lover of Spain - Cees Noteboom - has written that, if you picked up chunks of
northern Spain and put them down in France, millions would visit them. But,
since they're in Spain, no one does.
To say the least, Spain has a vibrant and dynamic economy, reflected - for
example - in its superb new road and rail links. It's a very 'alive' place,
evidenced by its marvellous cafés, bars and restaurants.
Spain's cities are exceptionally civilised places, in which café society is
the gem in the crown.
Spain's women are proud, feminine, beautiful and - as I never tire of thanking
God for - very tactile. The country has not suffered from the distortions
wreaked elsewhere by fanatical feminism.
Age here is not the barrier to communication and enjoyment of life it can be
elsewhere. One gets the impression that, for the Spanish, the most important
criterion is not how old you are but how much you contribute to the general
well-being.
Relatedly, this is a society is which there is still respect between the
generations.
Spanish society is still underpinned by strong family links. Children are
still happy to be seen in public with their parents. Grandparents even.
Spain, like France, is not afraid to have an elite. One result of this is that
the serious papers remain 'heavy'; they have not yet sensationalised
themselves in the direction of a tabloid press. The main reason for this - and
a huge positive - is that there is no egregious tabloid press in Spain.
To state the obvious, Spain's weather - even in Galicia - is better than that
of other countries and the cost of living is still lower.
Spain's crime rate is relatively low. I have yet to feel unsafe here, even in
Madrid in the middle of the night. That said, I'm sure it's possible to be in
the wrong place at the wrong time. And there are a lot of pickpockets in both
Barcelona and Madrid.
Although things are naturally trending in the wrong direction, Spain is not
yet as consumerist as Anglo Saxon societies. Sunday is still Sunday.
By and large, young Spaniards know how to take their drink. There is little of
the violence associated with boozing in the UK.
Finally, some Miscellaneous Likes:- Night trains; The honour system in bars;
Menus del día
To end by repeating myself - I suspect my missing bits of paper contain
several more positives. But this is a good start. Reactions are welcome.
Meanwhile, I'll be re-reading a couple of my books so I can check on others'
positives, with a view to deciding whether or not I already had them on my
list. Or should have had.