The Manana Prospect

The Maňana Prospect – It’s Theory And Practice.

Although I have been fortunate to visit Spain and its islands regularly over the last 30 years, I don’t recall ever remaining longer than the regulation two weeks.
That was probably the reason I have never really been the subject of what I have come to know as The Maňana Prospect. But now, as someone who is staying for a while, maybe forever…. it certainly seems to be kicking in. Let me explain….

I have gone through whole days of failed appointments, I say failed not missed, as yours truly was at the agreed rendezvous, at the appointed time, it was the other party letting me down. The curious thing is, some of the establishments involved are being run by ex pats! But I’m not complaining, just wish someone had warned me.

My first encounter with mañana culture was at an office in El Cotillo that had a sign on the door telling the waiting world that they opened at 10.00 on Tuesday. So that’s when I went round, where I met a lady who was similarly waiting. After my third visit, by this time almost eleven …she told me 10.00 could actually mean……… whenever! and why was I in such a hurry?

Another similar experience was in Corralejo, where I journeyed on no less than five occasions to see someone within his office allotted time frame, but still no joy. My girlfriend suggested I simply call him, and bingo, success at last! But in response to his premises being closed, I was told that as it was quiet at the moment, it being February, thus he seldom went in!

If that was the theory, it was surely time to try the practice?

I was asked, one Wednesday, to do a little job for a guy, again in Corralejo, who requested I bring the work in on Sunday. Well owing to a number of things, including a touch of sunstroke which laid me low for a day, I didn’t return until the following Tuesday. In London that would have meant a stewards enquiry! But not here in Fuerte, oh no. He looked up as I darkened the doorway, and simply said, without any trace of sarcasm, “Thanks for coming by” or as near to it as you can get in broken Italian\English.

But I must be getting better at the relaxed attitude to life. The other day when I wandered along to the bus stop to catch the 2 o’clock which owing presumably to siesta, did not exist, rather than go back to the apartment I simply dozed off in the sun for an hour, not aware that anyone passing gave me a second glance.

So if, like me you hope to try and blend into the local culture, please be aware of that oh so Spanish consideration, that there is always maňana, don’t be in too much of a rush. Just remember, if someone makes an arrangement to carry out some work for you on say, Tuesday, you may not be talking about the same Tuesday!

Surf Bum
Donald Innes is a writer and photographer, see more of his pictures on http://donaldinnesross-aplaceforinnes.blogspot.com If you are interested in buying any of his pictures just call him on 662 529580