mask with a message

14 Friday Aug 2020

Posted by in coronavirus, sevilla, spain, tapas bars

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stop

Went out for a cold beer at La Bodega Alfalfa today and noticed that Javier was wearing a different mask than the rest of his colleagues. At first I thought it was the (now) usual wait staff mask with the name of the bar embroidered on it. But then I saw it said STOP RACISMO. Javi told me his wife had bought a set, including ones that said BLACK LIVES MATTER and I CAN’T BREATHE. He then proceeded to explain to me who George Floyd was and how those had been his last words. And I said, yeah I know.

Imagine time travelling back a few months and telling Mr Floyd that soon there would be a Spanish barman speaking his name and standing by him. I mean yes of course, all the protests, all the everything, would have blown his mind I’m sure. But it touched me today to see this one personal protest still happening, far from where it all started. Well done, Javier!

electric shock

12 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in casa azahar, home, sevilla, summer, weather

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shock
It was expected, but this month’s electricity bill (which actually covers a two month period) still came as a bit of a shock. Much more than any other year. About 100€ more. Not surprising as I have been mostly at home, well, since March 12th. But it made me realise how much I take advantage of other people’s AC! I mean, I am trying to be prudent, and don’t put the AC on until it hits 30º inside the apartment, then set it so that it ends up a comfy 27º (with fans on). And I never sleep with it on. But you know, before I would be out and about during the day, and often working in the evenings. Which also meant I had an income to pay the damn bill, but I digress. Continue reading →

coronavirus retail therapy

11 Tuesday Aug 2020

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, coronavirus, home, retail therapy, sevilla

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kitchen retail therapy
Gotta say that the coronavirus has cut down on general spending. Like, I didn’t need to buy any new summer clothes or sandals this year, and it’s looking like it will be the same for winter. Which is a good thing because not only was I disqualified from receiving the government assistance extension (July-Sept) for self-employed people, but it turns out I’m also not eligible for the 400€ a month “basic income” allowance.

I am so fucked.

And so why not buy totally unnecessary kitchen utensils because they are orange and cute? Okay, not totally unnecessary because my only spatula broke a couple of months ago, and I’ve never had a skimmer, so sue me. I got them both for a tenner as they were 20% off and this made me happy.

Anyhow, haven’t mentioned any of this to the cats. They still think their lives are safe and secure and never worry about their next meal or that they may lose their home. This also makes me happy. Keeping them safe. What’s making you happy these days?