One sure way not to learn Spanish is to marry a Spanish teacher.

I am teaching myself. I have recently learned how to find places in Bayona. Just know the word for what you want and add ‘eria’. So you want a beer you ask for a cervez-erea, bread panad-eria, coffee cafet-eria. Café-con leche-teria does not end in a result.

The exception proves the rule and a ferreteria is not a ferret selling boutique but a hardware shop. Ironmongers I guess would be a more direct translation. While Ursula remains hooked on the Albarino I have a facination with ferreterias. It has become unhealthy. My favourite here is a family run business complete with grandfather, grandmother, daughter and grandchild (18 months). They sell everything and I have put in more hours there than a part time staff member. I always manage to come out with something that’s going to save our lives mid atlantico. Staineless steel bars, every screw possible, hoses, scales, non slip mats and egg timers. You name it I’ve bought it.

I have also bought a bread tin and now we have fresh boat baked bread each morning, brown and soda every other day. Good practice for el transatlantico .

Pics. View from MRCYB; Ursula and Albarino; Me looking for a ferreteria fix

Ruaidhri Prendergast