Terrorism and the Spanish Attitude

Terrorism and the Spanish Attitude
First and foremost, I want to let you all know that both I and my family are all OK. Many many thanks to those who have called or emailed me with respects to my safety here in Spain. They certainly comforted me during a time of fear and concern. Fortunately none of us (my family) have been directly affected by the terroristic attacks that occured in the US 12 days ago, although as thousands of others, have experienced close calls. Unfortunately, the husband of one of my brother´s co-workers was a co-pilot in one of the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center. I encourage you all to visit the web page that has been set up in his memory. He appears to have been a remarkable person.

On the day of the attacks, within 10 minutes of the first attack, my cell phone began to ring incessantly from my friends all over Spain calling to check in on me and let me know what was on the news. The attacks on the WTC occurred during the “siesta” hour here in Spain, the time that most everyone is at home eating the main meal of the day and watching the main newscasts. I was in Madrid that day, having just picked up a couple of friends at the airport arrving from Philadelphia a couple of hours earlier. The three of us watched in horror as we saw the second attack on the WTC live on the news.

Many of you have emailed or called asking me about the attitude in Spain with regards to what the Spaniards thought about these terroristic attacks. As I have mentioned previously, terrorism is nothing new to Spainards. In Spain exists the ETA terrorist group, based in the Basque regions of Spain (north) and France (south), which continuously fights for its independence from Spain. However, its attacks are, for the most part, very targeted to specific politicians, journalists, reporters and police. They do not compare in magnitude to the mass destruction suffered by the USA (and the world) the other week. Spainards and the Spanish government are very much behind the USA in its global effort to eliminate terrorism around the world, whether it be in the name of Islamic Terrorists, Basque Separatists / terrorists, or the Irish Republican Army in the name Catholic Separatism. What the Spaniards (and the rest of Europe in general) don´t want, however, is an indescriminate and “knee jerk” response by the US government in the name of an international coalition that will serve only the needs of the American people. The general thought here is if the US is truly concerned about eliminating terrorism on a global level, then it must take into consideration the global effects its actions will have.

There are two American military bases located here in Spain, which the Spanish government has given authorization to the US to use in its efforts to combat world terrorism. However, a poorly thought out plan by the US government (meaning...a failure to take into consideration global concerns...not just American interests) could possibly result in attacks to these US bases (or any other US military bases or American institutions around the world) affecting not only the US, but also the host country. Spain is rich in Arabic culture as evidenced in it´s architecture particularly throughout Andalusia (southern Spain) and the entire Valencian (Mediterranean coast) region. Being just a hop skip and a jump from the Middle East, and the primary entry point for Morroccans, Algerians and other Muslims into Europe, Spain is rightfully concerned about any military repercussions.

Ok, I am getting off my soap box…Onto a lighter topic…

Employment in Spain
I have learned alot about how Spaniards “save face” when put into uncomfortable positions. My rather successful interview process with the Red Cross of the Valencian Region came to a screeching halt the other day when I spoke with the president and informed him of our definitive move to Madrid in a few weeks, and declining the organization´s offer of employment. Right from the very beginning of the interview process, I was frank with him and the other local presidents that I met with letting them know of an outside chance of us moving to Madrid. His frustration at our decision was made clear through his thinly veiled comments of “I knew from the beginning that this would be a problem for us (Red Cross)”, “From the start I thought that you were too young and inexperienced to do fundraising for us”, “your status here is so unstable. You aren´t certain how long you will be here in Spain..you will probably move back to the United States”. Wow...I really had to hold my diplomatic tongue. DH as well as a few other Spanish friends, were horrified and livid. I´ll just chalk it up to experience and a big political ego. I have dealt with both before!

So, it´s off to Madrid we go...actually a small town a half hour north of the city in the foothills of the mountains. We will have a white Christmas and DH has promised me a live Christmas tree! We fell in love with the charming town which is much smaller than where we live now...so is our flat..it´s about half the size, but we will be nice and cozy and closer to his family. We will be moving in about 3 weeks.

Speaking of being closer to family…I should write a book about what I did for love… moved to a foreign country, left my career, family & friends in the USA, became dependent on a man (horrors!) and have successfully spent two weeks alone with my mother-in-law. I lie, we were not alone, we have been accompanied the whole time by her two small yappy type dogs. The first week we were in their summer “home” two hours north of Madrid, this week we came here to Gandía. Geeze, I must REALLY love Ángel. At least he can no longer accuse me of shedding my long hair here…the dogs have been giving me some fierce competition.

Being with my “suegra” (mother in law) does have its advantages. I have learned how to clean and cook octopus, clean, de-spine and prepare a variety of fish...including sardines marinated in lemon juice. Yes, raw sardines marinated in lemon juice with a little salt. If you are a sushi fan, I recommend you try it..it´s actually really good! I have also learned how they clean houses here in Spain (vs the American way), the right way to wash dishes...etc. Actually, in all honesty, it has been great getting to know her.

Philadelphia has been on Spanish TV an awful lot lately. First it began with Kraft´s advertising campaign of Philadelphia cream cheese. Every half hour this commercial would be on TV. Then all of a sudden, Pans & Company (think Spanish version of Subway) brought to the discriminating Spanish palates the Famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak...fresh from the other side of the Atlantic. Go figure! Too bad the city can´t be internationally known for more notable things...like it´s history (a drop in the bucket compared to the history here in Spain), or the wonderful variety of restaurants, or its diversity.