Life is like Empanada

You never know what you're going to get. Well, not entirely. But after visiting a number of tapas bars in Pontevedra it is evident that the recipe, or more specifically, the main filling of empanada (a flat pastry with a filling) varies from place to place. Some bars buy theirs from the local bakery. Most people buy from the bakery. Indeed, what some consider late but around here seems to be early (11.30am) people can be seen carrying armfuls of fresh bread from the local bakers. It is wonderful that there are a multitude of independent bakers all seemingly managing to keep hold of business after Spain´s economic problems of late. The fillings of the empanada can be something as simple as tuna or corn (maize) or scallops, mussels or similar shell fish, octopus or beef. Very seldom do you find a vegetable filling and hardly ever will you find cheese here. Bang goes my suggestion of ricotta and spinach with broccoli then.

In El Pais yesterday there was an article about the lifted ban on Romero and his path to Beatification (Sainthood). They included the picture of his assassination which I thought was thought provoking. The UK media would never include that. There was also a picture of a dead woman on the front page. My host remarked ¨The Spanish like blood¨ and it took me back to seeing the statues of Christ in agony covered in droplets of blood in the various churches i have visited so far.

I read this morning that the John Lewis group have withdrawn their free coffee and cake for their customers. Instead they will give free refreshments to those based on their shopping habits and the frequency that they visit said stores. A part of me thought they were completely correct in this. The fact that they have given this away for so long is a huge feat. It is slightly similar in Spanish bars. When you order a drink you get a small tapas dish. This could be an anchovy on bread or some pieces of cheese or even a little dish of soup. I like this, and, whilst they are not giving it away totally free of charge, it is a sweet custom that really makes this country endearing.

And finally, my students received their GCSE results today. I achieved an above average overall of 81% A*-C and 37% A*-A. Not as good as last year´s however still making an impact and very deserved results on the whole for that particular year group. I have learnt some lessons from this set of results that shall inform my teaching and general attitude next year.