The one thing I really love about Spain (Rural Spain) is Sunday. It is what I call a proper Sunday. A day of rest, no shops open, no B&Q , no garden centres no last minute dash , to Tesco, It's like the Sunday of my childhood , peaceful.
At least if you want to go to the pub, you know that there will be at least someone, you know there. Unfortunately, the decline of the once great English local , means that you now do not stand much chance, of bumbing into one of your mates in a UK drinking establishment, the licencing hours, are either, too long, too short, or to confusing.
I know that the reformed licensing act and the much needed update of the old antiquated licencing laws, the government in it's wisdom, intended to create a european atmosphere within its many bars clubs etc, but come on, a european atmoshere, how? with the english weather , and the average person , only able to make his money stretch so far, and now to cap it all, the smoking ban has now come into effect.
From 1st July 2007, as we all know there is a no no, on smoking in a pub, this has had to have had a major effect, on most drinking venus, not to mention the licencees often, none existent incomes.
Whilst been a non smoker myself , and I can well understand the health issues, I still think this should have been a personal choice. We should have had the freedom to choose, if we want to drink in a smokey pub etc, continental I think not.
Here in Spain, you can only just see your mates in the pub, they are usually covered in smoke, hovering over their tables, which are often filled, with very black coffee and brandies, and thats only the tables occupied by, the Guardia Civil having one of there all to frequent pit stops, but at least they have the choice.