Back in track, Christmas is gone,…. for good?!

(Photograph taken by Marta with her oldish camera in Chelsea bridge in London, at 5 pm on a sunday we reckon! )



Christmas (Xmas), that is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, has become one of the most incredibly celebrated festivities. It is a needed break in the middle of winter, else some might comit suicide. Had Christmas not exist, something on the same lines (even more comercial) would have been invented, so lets leave it as it is, no reason for change. Christmas time reminds us ( or shoud) that we all have a family (and that we have a past that will condition our future, for good). It tells us that we should not forget our beloved. Friends matter and family as well. Interestingly, Joan got inquired by some family members during Boxing day about why his family is not more cohesion (but the reason why is a long stoy that you don't want to know). Meanwhile, Marta had fun with daddy’s family: each Vilella is quite special, no doubt are all nice chaps (as say here in LDN!).

Yet, we should recognise that Xmas its is stressfull as well. As previous years and unlike most couples we spend Christmas as a separated couple during meals!, each one with its own family ( and God in each single one as they say at home). Either grandpa or grandma are still alive & we don’t want to upset them. Joan’s grandma still organises the boxing day dinner in a “poshy” restaurant in Barcelona (this year was “ el Mirador del Palau de la Musica”), very fashion like, not Joan's cup of tea though, may be more Mart's style. Besides family affairs, we had some time for some friends, not all though and most were Marta’s pal's. However, unavoidingly, when visiting friends at home we feel like physitians visiting families : we first sit in their sofas, talk for a while on how the world has changed since last visit and then we end up leaving halving their drinks and empting their fridges. No doubt, Marta had stomachake after eating for once during the fatteing christmas lunches. New years eve was quite familiar, catching up with some frinds, no mistery about whatsoever.

Without even noticing, January the first was the day to go back to London - we did not even notice we had to enjoy our time in BCN. But something had to happen before we left, it could not be that simple! In fact it became the most stressful time of the whole Christmas. All was the result of carrying two convertible bikes (absolutely perfect for London streets). However, after driving all the way from Premià to the airport (trains do not reach the airport due to operating works untile summer) we found out , already in the airport, that Easyjet does not accept bikes without being adequately packed ( this is the difference with travelling easyjet, a guy from Arifrance said they do accept them anyway!!). It was a surprise, but not a huge worry had every thing else been working. The problem was that in New Year's day, Barcelona is totally dead, nothing is open, not even the airport post office where we could have bought boxes in a normal day. Whilst Marta searched for solutions ( ended up calling her Dad to come and pick the bikes up). Joan drove the car to Joan’s parents flat in Barcelona and expected to stop a taxi to go back to the airport . Yet, once he was in Barcelona, sreets were totally empty . Then he called radiotaxi (supposedly the best taxi company in town) and despite they said after a phone call they would send a taxi in 10 min, they did not & after half hour waiting they literally reponded that no taxis were available in the area, bastards!. Joan panicked a little and ended up calling Marta’s dad to come and pick him up ( else he would have missed the flight), but after two minutes miraculously a taxi stopped and by change he got to the airport just on time.

Marta, once all is over says had her dad come, we would still had missed the flight, who knows. But it is true that whilst easyjet often is delayed, that day it even left Barcelona early. So honestly, if you can: avoid travelling onJanuary 1st. Joan has already put a query to the Spanish Consumer Association and to the radiotaxi company. We got to London and all was quiet (see photograph a attached from a week before Christmas), feels safe and civilised. Christmas is gone, thanks God.