the expats social whirl

Friday was a gem of a day, when windy and wet was replaced by sun and snow on the mountains.  The easy walk had so few takers that we all travelled in one car, I met a sculptress from Wales , who was house sitting for her sister, who was in America, a talkative lady from Wyke, and our leader who took  loads of photos for the record.

The mountain ranges we climbed up were spectacular, with very bare craggy ranges, which appeared to have been erupted from the depths of the earth in some volcanic frenzy, while we walked the more gentle paths which had a rich vegetation of bushes and herbs like rosemary and thyme covering the slopes.We were heading for the moorish fort in the Bernia mountains, a garrison for 50 soldiers , with ramparts and extensive living quarters. We looked down on the coast from that vantage point, spotting the church near my house  which looked minute.The day will live in my memory as I forgot to put in my camera!

Saturday was the day of the buffet dance at the Kaktus hotel. I had not appreciated the many opportunities to dress up , afforded by the very full social calendar. My outfits are already having a second airing, and doubling as flamenco dancing gear. The buffet was a splendid affair with a dazzlng selection of starters and main courses.The men were all spruced up in suits, and the women were elegant in cocktail dresses and the like.When we emerged from the dining area up the marble stairs to the dance hall – this was no disco square surrounded by tables – there was a kind of line dancing which I averted my eyes from, having avoided all contact with line dancing over the years. Next there appeared to be a lot of expert ballroom dancers floating round the floor, not leaving a lot of scope for free expression. However the entertainment, in the form of two accomplished flamenco dancers was about to begin, and a sense of replete well being filled the audience. I had met some interesting people including the psychotherapist’s daughter who was training to be a rabbi; and some of the star turns at the companians recent entertainment evening.

In order to live the good life in Spain it seems to me that adequate income and good health are the two major requirements. The effects of losing either one are possibly more dire in Spain than if one were back home.On average the better off tend to eat out at least 3 times a week, there are opportunities to go the the theatre, have trips to other parts of Spain and beyond. Golf, petanc. cycling,climbing, walking, ten pin bowling, whist, making music, surfing the net, watching satellite tv. There is charity work, from fundraising, to taking in battered wives, or giving carers a break. There are cultural events aimed at integrating the different communities. One person’s good life is another’s idea of hell, but there is certainly a variety to choose from. Me I’m just playing at it, and thoroughly enjoying the idea  of entertaining family and friends out here. a few friends thinking about coming out!