Pictures:
My house
Hotel & Spa behind my house:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aphs.worldnomads.com/anita_81/18985/Hotel_and_Spa.jpg
View from my house:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/aphs.worldnomads.com/anita_81/18985/view_2_from_room.jpg
The focus of the day was to complete 5 one-on-one conversations with the Spaniards. We had a skit about pickpockets which was re-enacted in slow motion so we could watch how clever the pickpockets are. The fact that the role was played by 3 of the participants didn’t go unnoticed. Now I keep an eye on those women at all times.
The conversations were fun because I tried to stay away from the boring ‘what’s your job’ or ‘tell me about your family’ topics. I learned about paddle tennis, which evidently is a country club sport created in the US but is very popular in Spain and South America. In addition, there is an exciting item called ‘Termomix’ which evidently can cook gourmet meals at the touch of the button. I looked it up on the Internet and it looks like a cross between a crockpot and a blender. However, it is very expensive ($1500) and must be purchased through a home demonstration. Kinda like Tupperwear or Silpada jewelry. It is not available in the US. One Spaniard told me it was the second best invention of all time (expresso machine being the first). Another said that it was stupid and horrible; he would never use it—he likes a skillet! So anyway, everyone has an opinion. Another person manages the Spanish Mint and I learned about how the EU handles the production of euros. Spain prints only ones and fives.
I was surprised to learn that I am reading one of the most popular books in Spain. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larrson. In Spain, it is called The Man who Loves Women. Anyway, all three of the books have been published here but only 2 in the US. The stoy is slow in the beginning but I am assured that I won’t be able to put it down soon.
Another beautiful day in La Alberca. I’m really having so much fun.
