Bob's Spanish Adventure

Bob the Barman!

I start my new job waiting tables at 'El Parque' tomorrow evening! I must admit I'm nervous and I told my new boss, Isidro, as much last night when I popped in for a beer and a chat after teaching English. He said, 'Don't worry, Roberto. You mark my word, you'll be famous!' Perhaps, but I hope I'll be famous for the right reasons! Isidro tossed a tray to me and said, 'Show me how to carry that.' He must have approved because he added, 'You're a natural!' This morning I had to go out and buy a pair of black trousers and a white shirt to wear. I'll let you know how I get on!

If you read my last blog you may remember I mentioned something about a programme that provides grants for renovating old houses in the historic centre of Alcala. I went to speak with the man who's in charge of administering the programme and he was at first excited by my interest. That is, until he explained that one had to show evidence of only having earned a maximum of 16,000 euros in the previous year. When I told him I'd earned three times that much he said I wouldn't have a chance of receiving a grant this year but could try again next year. I told him that the way things are going, there's every chance I'll be knocking on his door this time next year!

I taught my first Spanish lesson on Monday to a retired English chap who lives in a nearby village. We had arranged for lessons to take place at my house but I met him in town because I knew he'd never find my house on his own! We sat and had a coffee while talking about his experience of the Spanish language so far then, before trudging up the hill to my house, he asked me to do him a favour and interpret for him at a washing machine repair shop. It seems a repairman had come to his a month ago to repair his machine, took away a part, and hadn't been heard from since. Well, within a minute I managed to confirm that the new part had arrived and that the repairman would come and install it on Wednesday!

I really enjoyed the lesson and Jeff, my student, seemed very pleased too. He said he definitely wants to carry on! I think he'll be a fast learner. It's just forcing him to use the language that could be tricky but I'm going to build practice into our lessons, learning grammar and vocabulary and then taking him into town to put it to use. He seemed to like the idea.

The weather here has turned summery very quickly, especially when I think how cold, wet and miserable it was when I arrived! The temperature was thirty degrees today and the sky a gorgeous blue with only the occasional wisp of a cirrus cloud. In the full sun, it felt quite warm but the nice thing about the narrow streets in the old town is that one can always find a bit of shade. So far my ancient house, with its thick fortress-like walls, is doing the trick and insulating from the heat outside. It is lovely to return from town hot and bothered, open the door and walk into the coolness. You'd swear the house was air conditioned! I'll let you know how long the affect lasts.

I went to 'Rio de Oro' for a coffee this morning and ran into some fellow expats so we had a chat. One chap said he keeps seeing my leaflets advertising translation, interpretation and Spanish lessons all over town! At least I know they're visible.

When I returned home I was sitting on the terrace enjoying a cool drink when Jerome, the estate agent I bought my house from, called to ask if I'd be interested in meeting to learn about a new project he's starting up. He didn't divulge much other than to say he was going to invite a Spanish chap to the meeting as well and that he'd like us to collaborate with him. 

I had coffee with Juan, my solicitor, on Tuesday morning and broke the news that I wasn't ready to start up a new business with him just yet, not within doing proper market research and writing a business plan. He was perfectly happy with that and that we put the idea on the back burner for now, perhaps start doing some research, and meet again in the autumn for another discussion. I was relieved the conversation went so well. He's a really nice guy and a valuable contact, I think, and I didn't want to put his nose out of joint. Juan reiterated his previous offer about paying me commission should I find him any clients for his legal practice. He said that for every client I refer, he will give me 100 euros. Not bad!

This may sound really nerdy but I'm keeping track of every penny I spend. I've got a spreadsheet with lines for every budget item, e.g. groceries, bars and restaurants, clothes, etc. Every day I enter what I've spent so I can figure out how much I really need to earn to live comfortably. So far, I'm managing to live on about 30 euros a day. That includes food, utilities, clothes, things for the house, mobile phone- everything. At the moment I spend more than a third of my money in the bars on food and drinks but I consider it a worthwhile investment when I consider the important contacts, both work and social, that I've made by getting out and meeting people. Now I just need to figure out how I can earn thirty euros a day and then I'll be sorted!

Wish me luck for my first day of work tomorrow! I'm off to the bar to watch the UEFA cup final, and all Spanish affair. Bye for now! 

• Posted by bobinspain on 16/05/2007.
• bobinspain's site