So many things about Spanish culture are starting to make sense to me. The siesta, for example. The siesta is the solution to all of Spain's inefficiencies. Let me elaborate. After amazingly being paid
almost on time, my money was in the form of a check. (Direct deposit would just be way too easy.) The check was from a certain bank called "La Caixa." My bank account is with BBVA. Since my check was from this particular bank, I had to go all the way to the ONE branch they have in Huelva, wait 30 minutes to cash the check (700€ worth of cash) and then go back to MY bank to deposit the money. However, only one of the three ATMs was working, which means I had to wait another 20 minutes to use it. After that process was complete, I needed to put some money on my phone credit ("saldo" in Spanish). This had already been a pain because, long story short, the company I use is new and you can only make transactions online but my online account wasn't working. I finally figured THAT out (after a week of no credit, no data on my phone, phone calls, store visits, and tears of frustration) but by that time, it was about 2 in the afternoon--a.k.a. siesta time. After my morning, my week really, I needed one. I was tired and frustrated...but when I woke up from my nap, life was good again.
Another example: why is the coffee here SO GOOD? Because we need all the energy we can get for a day of wild children and inefficient governing/businesses. Every morning on the way to school, Rocío and I stop for a cup of coffee. For her, "café solo"...basically a double shot of expresso and sugar. For me, "café con leche"...the same expresso but with steamed milk. I'm telling you, with a packet of sugar it is like the best thing in this world. Yesterday we didn't have time to stop for coffee and I thought my day would never end. I had a headache that lasted till this morning. But as soon as I had my first sip of café con leche this morning, the headache disappeared. All Spaniards must be addicted to caffeine...because the coffee is just that good.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about certain Spanish tendencies! Every country has its problems. But I just have come to appreciate (more than I already did) the benefits of an afternoon nap and an excellent cup of coffee.
