Bloody Sunday?

The only slight agression I noticed around ‘Bloody Sunday’ was a heated discussion with my taxidriver. Exit from Spain but Remain in Europe: ‘that is what we demand!’ I explained the man that leaving Spain means leaving the EU with zero chance to re-enter the Union, due to Madrid’s right to veto. Arriving in the quiet city center, I told him: ‘what you ask for is Catalexit, what you will get is Catalastrophy’. If I have learned one thing the last 48 hours, it is never to trust media, social or not, but to see things with your own bloody eyes.

The city seems relaxed. Probably because tourists are staying away, which I consider a benefit. Yesterday I walked with my bulldog Boni in Ciutadela Parc, 40 metres from my house. Suddenly, we saw a camera crew, quite rare in city parcs.  Without realizing it, we were standing in front of the Catalan Parliament. In session that is, for at that moment the declaration of independence was debated. One camera, two French girls who were lost and a few extra cars. If this is how history and democracy look like... Boni decided to pee just in front of the Parliament.

Today, Catalunya is on strike. Nobody is working. ‘How would you call the other 364 days then?’, I joke with my neighbour who has put the Catalan flag high out on his terrace. Not funny; sense of humour and thre capacity to put things into perspective are history as well. Both in Barcelona as in Madrid. People are reacting bloody serious, though luckily no blood has been shed, yet.. One should retrieve common sense and relax. On this latter, I am very hopeful for Spain. Last Sunday, the moment it started to rain which accidentally coincided with lunchtime, in no time the Plazas turned empty and the megaphones went on a break.. The bars and restaurants, however, were  overcrowded. Siesta will keep Spain together, Manana.