Behind Locked Doors

Regular readers will know our blog is an eclectic mix of fun, fact and family doings. The subject of today’s blog gave me much food for thought and soul searching so serious is the subject matter. Domestic abuse in Spain, not an easy thing to think or write about.
Last year I met with a most interesting and informative Spanish guy who's partner is a psychiatrist working within the Spanish prison system. Her specialist area of work is domestic violence. We talked , amongst other things, about the subject of domestic violence in Spain. I had thought that the high incident of this awful crime could be due to the historic position of women in Spanish society. Although women have made huge leaps since the Franco days when their place was very much in the home with little or no rights. After discussing the issue I was better informed. There is without doubt an issue of equality for women in Spain but the horrific figures on injured and murdered women cannot be taken at face value. It appears that a high number of these crimes are perpetrated by non spanish nationals.
Tragically we have had this point driven home to us this weekend with a murder suicide in San Fulgencio. It appears a British national has shot his wife as she slept then turned the gun on himself. Two other women where killed in there homes in other parts of Spain this weekend. This is only the tip of the iceberg and I hope and pray that those persons in a position to make a difference to all sufferers of domestic violence, be they men, women or children will take heed and really move heaven and earth to offer protection through prosecution and appropriate sentences as well as counselling and places of safety. Lastly I would like to say behind every headline is a story of personal tragedy, there are family members trying to cope with the horror and grief of what has happened. Our thoughts are with them all. We hope upon hope things will change for the better in the not to distant future.

Ands there's more..............

Food that is. On Monday it was the day of the annual Sardine breakfast (Tradicional Dia De La Sardina). The event takes place across the river from the swimming pool in Formentera. its starts mid morning and finishes mid afternoon with free Sardines, bread, wine and beer. We saw last year that many people make a real family occasion of this so this year we were better organised. We arranged to meet up with Bec and joaquin and some of there friends at the El Molino site. A great time was had by all as we shared a picinc along with the sardines. John ate 9 I believe, but was out done by another member of our party who ate at least 16!!! It was wonderful to be part of this local tradition. It is always fun and trouble free, children running around playing, old people meeting up for a chat and a laugh, new babies being shown off, a good time was had by all. Thank you Formentera Corporacion Municipal

Angel update

Well its a week tommorrow since Angel arrived so thought you might like a progress report. Angel has settled in very well, she's a lovely calm little dog. Angel likes a run in the campo but is very well behaved and never runs off too far or refuses to come when called. Its clear that her previous family spent time and trouble training her, she likes a routine and is always ready for her dinner around 6, she does not bother you at the table like some dogs will and is very good around our cat Suzi, though Suzi is a bit of a grumpy boots at times. This week she has met up with mad Jack from around the corner (see earlier post about him) She has also met Rocky the rescue dog on several occasions, think Rocky is in love! Angel is going to meet the local Vet Javier on monday as she has to be spayed, plus get a blood test.
Do get in touch with K9 if you think you can give Angel the loving home she deserves,

All Hallows Eve in Spain

Halloween all over the world and in Spain a very special festival, The children come around playing tricks and getting treats, but then the seriousness starts. Families go to the graves and cemetries of their past family and pass an all night vigil, and on the following day all saints day they spend the day cleaning and tidying the graves and cemetries, - it is a national holiday. Around forty years ago, people would often put cakes and nuts on graves during Halloween, thinking to bribe the evil spirits. A special pastry known as Bones of the Holy is eaten during Halloween in Spain, and this food is actually an anise seed bread with an orange glaze. The bread is also known as "Pan de Muerto" Bread of the dead, and is shaped into skulls or round loaves, with strips of dough rolled out and attached to resemble bones.