Dawn

Dawn

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Well, the referendum turnout is reported to have been a fraction over 42%, just above the government’s stated ‘success’ level of 40%. They may well be happy but now I have to find either a slice of humble/umble pie or a sliver of lamprey. Less surprising was the fact that more than 70% of the voters plumped for the card that read ‘Yes. Please keep sending us money’.

Politics being what it is, the opposition party has lost no time in characterising the low turnout as an indictment of the government’s ability to organise a piss-up in a brewery. Or words to that effect.

On a more parochial level, today’s referendum ‘success’ has been completely overshadowed by the local football team’s first victory in over 20 matches this season. From the celebrations, you’d have thought they’d just won the European cup.

To give you some ideal of just how nocturnal Spain can be, here are the new closing hours for various establishments:-

Children’s areas in shopping malls – 10pm
Cinemas – 1am
Cafés and restaurants – 2am
Small pubs and karaoke bars – 3am
Casinos – 4am
Discos - 4.30am

And these are just the winter hours.

No comments: