January is notoriously a flat month despite the many fiestas that cast a little light in the gloom. Many friends are doing Dry January and desperately trying to avoid social events so that they are not tempted into drinking alcohol. Fiestas, of course, are probably the last events for those trying to keep up their will power! All that free cava is probably a temptation too far.
I’ve been a bit of a wet blanket about attending fiestas this month not because of alcohol temptation but because I am marathon training and up to my ears in work deadlines. I look out on our dark country track and weigh up staying in with a roaring fire in the hearth or dressing up in warm clothes and schlepping into the town’s plaça. We need to walk there as it’s impossible to park and that too is quite a deterrent. So, it’s a no brainer, I’m afraid. The cosy fire in the hearth wins every time and early nights.
Many animals have the right idea about hibernation. It’s such a great concept. I love the idea of just curling up in a ball and sleeping until the spring. How wonderful would that be? No bills, no stress, just an extended sleep until things liven up again.
This morning I ran up to Fornalutx village in the dark although by the time I reached the plaça at 8am, the sky had lightened. Aside from two council leaf blowers there was no one about and not one café remained open. In Soller, thankfully Café Soller, is valiantly keeping open but the square is fairly quiet as is the port. Most hotels, bars and restaurants will start opening up mid-February in time for Valentine’s Day and until then, we can hibernate or just stay home and save money.
Some Mallorcan friends were complaining about family members who get into their jim jams by early evening in the winter months. I dutifully tutted, secretly thinking it sounded like a great idea. I usually down tools in the office by eight in the evening and there is a great temptation to slob around in night attire and watch Netflix but there is dinner to be made, domestic chores to fulfil, and the cat colony at the bottom of my track to feed. Much as I like the idea of being an all-out slob during the winter, the reality is that it’s just not feasible with my lifestyle. Maybe it’s something I need to work on. I need to take notes from a dormouse, the canny creature that sometimes kips for up to six months. Ah, bliss!
Royal ructions
In the hope of avoiding panful world news, much of the British press has been absorbed in speculation about why the Princess of Wales has needed to check in at a private hospital for abdominal surgery. Some newspapers have even gone so far as to dredge up her entire health history for the dissection and comments of their readers. It’s hugely intrusive and very unfair. Imagine if our own medical issues were broadcast to a hungry media without our permission. Meanwhile, to add the icing on the cake, Prince Charles is also going in for a procedure. This too has had the media in a frenzy, with Royal commentators bleating about how shocking the news is for the nation. Actually, it isn’t. The royals are humans like everyone else and are not immune from health issues. We need to respect their privacy at times like this and allow them to get on with their recuperation without constant speculation and fearmongering from those who should know better.
A balls-up
Former foot-in-mouth labour politician Ed Balls caused a minor furore on the Good Morning Britain TV show when he inadvertently kicked presenter Susanna Reid in the head. They were simulating sitting on a plane and stretching out their legs over the tops of seats, a passenger habit which has recently caused controversy among travellers. Etiquette on planes can be a hot issue and I am never happy when other passengers shake my seat, put their feet on the top or bang it continuously. All these things have happened on flights, and I try to grit my teeth. If it becomes unbearable, I do ask the offender to stop what they’re doing and usually I’ve had no issue. Meanwhile, there are many online videos that show that such matters can get out of control on board, often resulting in actual fights. Thankfully, I’ve never been on a flight where that has occurred.
The other big controversy is taking other people’s seats or asking to swap seats to be with family members, even when a passenger has paid good money to guarantee a particular seat. I feel this is unfair. If a family wants to sit together, it should jolly well buy the right tickets to ensure this can happen. It’s no good getting on a plane and winging it and falling on the good nature of others. Flying used to be quite a pleasant experience, but these days it can be a misery. The best thing is to take out your iPods, listen to soothing music, close your eyes, and stay like that until the plane touches down.