Wrapping up
My first trip to Andalusia was successful and I would repeat it. Next time, having seen Córdoba and Granada, I would head south from Sevilla to Ronda and Malaga. Because of the extreme summer heat when the temperature reaches 50 degrees I would only go in October again.
I was fortunate to be in Spain at a fascinating time when secession is in the air. It’s rather ironic when ETA has disbanded and with it any hopes of Basque separatism that Catalunya may take that route after one unconstitutional referendum. The Spanish flag one saw everywhere indicated how unpopular that step would be and only 42% turned out to “vote”. However because of the heavy handed police response there is more global sympathy for the Catalyunian cause than they deserve. My own view is that secession won’t happen. My Spanish friend reminded me that they have their own Prime Minister and embassies and therefore a fair degree of autonomy. Would they have after secession their own currency and – just like Scotland – it’s unlikely they would be accepted as a member of the EU.
On the flight home, I asked to sit next to me Valerie as we had booked at different times. I was told at check in the flight was full but on embarking there was a seat next to her. The senior stewardess, who seemed to delight in exercising such little power as she had negatively, told us it was needed for a case. One of the defects of the low budget carrier is the number of passengers who defy the one cabin size case rule. Large handbags, kit bags, satchels are taken on board as well as a cabin case. All my suggestions to move the adjoining case elsewhere were rejected. It was a mean gesture and annoying as after a good time it’s fun to travel together. If I can be bothered I will complain as I am a premium plus card holder and elevated citizen of the easyJet skies.
It never takes me long to get annoyed on returning to Blighty. The Gatwick car park ticket machine was hard to operate and the cost an exorbitant £12. In so many respects, the cost of food, the standard of that food and the accommodation in Spain was far better and cheaper even with the stronger euro. To give an example the cafeteria at Seviila airport served 2 Sanmarejo soups, deliciously fresh, 2 beers and a mineral water for a tenner. It’s a great holiday destination, I just hope that in 2018, when I planned to go to Barcelona, it is not to the separate republic of Catalonia.
