Gecko Towers
I feel it’s important to share a few key, though intentionally light hearted, tips that will make your transition to your new life in Marbella all the more enjoyable. My singular aim is to reduce any potential culture shock that the newcomer may experience.
Today’s topics are indivisible, The Rain and Umbrella Management
The successful Gibraltarian singer-songwriter, Albert Hammond, co-wrote his 1972 classic “It Never Rains In Southern California” as a curious celebration of the location where he had settled. The chorus continues with “but girl don’t they warn ya? It pours, man, it pours.”
The same can be said for Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
Blessed, it is said, with a climate that delivers around 3000 hours and 320 days of sun, annually, when the weather Gods deem a change of plan the resulting storms are generally nothing less than Biblical. The speed of their arrival is meteoric and their departure is as swift but during the four to six hours that this version of the Mediterranean monsoon hits this corner of the Spanish coast, it throws it down.
‘Its raining cats and dogs’, ‘Nice weather…for ducks’ and ‘Its tipping it down’ are well known English euphemisms for heavy rain. The Castellan Spanish equivalents include – original and translation in brackets – ‘Llueve a cantaros’ (‘Its raining pitchers/jugs’) – which I am told is closest in usuage to the English ‘cats and dogs’ – ‘Esta lloviendo olas’ (‘Its raining waves’) and ‘Era una cortina de lluvia’ (‘Its a curtain of rain’).
Reservoirs that have lacked water for months, fill rapidly, parched gardens flourish and the sea turns a mid-brown as the sand and soil are eroded with a great intensity. Just why water conservationist have failed to devise a method of collection to capture these huge down pours is uncertain.
Another curious by-product of this weather phenomenon, is the witnessed discomfort of our Spanish friends who, on only a handful of days per winter, are forced to conquer their handling of an umbrella. It will be no great surprise that when it comes to dealing with rain the good people of Marbella are somewhat unfamiliar.
This is what I call “Umbrella Management”
Often in the hands of a novice my recommendation would be to walk in the road to avoid a collision. I have seen grown adults bowled out of the way by a small lady carrying an oversized “Calloway” golf umbrella pulled low over her body, acting like the pin on a pinball machine to approaching pedestrians.
Unlike the UK, there is a simple lack of order when multiple umbrellas jostle for a space on the pavement with much lifting of ams and close shaves with the eye balls of those who’ve braved the weather.
When there is minimal call for the use of a trusted brolly, the chances to practice umbrella etiquette are likewise dramatically reduced.
Should you be interested in discussing the Legal process involved in buying a property in Marbella, we would be delighted to assist you. Our team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent team of Abogados are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917.
Please note that our posts are for general interest. They are no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2020 All rights reserved.