Antes de que lleguen los turistas.

Before the tourists arrive, en masse that is, as many have already turned up for the Easter break. Some seasonal shops and bars have aleady opened, so it's a matter of weeks before the madness begins. I've got used to the Spanish idiosyncracies, such as only using the outside lane of roundabouts, parking in streets by bumping the cards in front and behind out of the way, needing your fiscal id number to do anything at all, the many rubber-stamped forms in triplicate for ditto, and going apeshit about people making piles of stones near the sea. The tourists, however, especially Brits, raise being annoying to a whole new level. I can't begin to list the very many things they do today, but am sure to mention new ones throughout the season. Badly-behaved spoilt noisy kids, and shouted demands for a "full English" in a lovely traditional tapas bar have already been noted. Oh yes, and driving in the middle of the road or the wrong way or in first gear while almost unseating passing cyclists. Roll on October.
On a happier note, today is #1 grandson's 4th birthday - where did the time go since then? I was sad to miss it, as it seems the whole family managed to get together to celebrate, and the pictures show a happy time for all. #2S dressed up in a Spiderman suit to entertain the kids - Charlie is obsessed with the character, and had no idea his favourite uncle was playing the role. Happy birthday, little man. X.