Trifter

I have always lived in villages. I am not a city girl as I just find the pace too fast and there are big differences between living in a village and living in a city. I moved into a small village in Spain over 3 years ago. Quaint white houses with window ledges overflowing with trailing flowers of all colours. Nestled amongst mountains and only 10 Min’s drive to the sea, this surely must be the most idyllic place in the world to settle. The village of Benalmadena Pueblo (pueblo meaning village in Spanish) is on the Costa Del Sol. Well I am sure we have all heard of the Costa Del Sol and how the English flock here in their droves to get away from dull and rainy Manchester

This quaint village has a life of its own. People of all nationalities just seem to mingle.  Spanish and English mothers alike will meet up during the morning school run to have coffee and toast in one of the many little bars. (now if you came from the village where I did in the north of England there would not be a bar open to sit in, plus the scandal of being seen in one would be too much)  The traditional Spanish ladies wearing  dresses  and shawls will meet up and chat,  usually whilst taking up the whole narrow street by walking side by side and all talking to each other at the same time. The  local men will be sat outside bars or benches to watch the world pass by. People will happily queue up in the bakery for freshly baked bread or cakes and no one will seem to mind too much if the bus is a little late. And there is one reason why and one reason only and its not cultural. Its very simple, its the weather.

If the weather was bright and sunny at 8.30am in the UK I am sure mothers would happily meet up for a coffee and a chat and sit outside. If the weather was sunny in the UK I am convinced that if the bus was a little late then people would be more inclined to be a little less stressed about it. The reason why I know this is that yes it does rain in spain and when it does, this quaint little friendly village with its occupants smiling and strolling by looks just like any other village from the North of England.  A downpour will mean people with heads down huddled up, glum faces and no eye contact made and of course if the bus is late then god help the driver………