Why are we rubbish at recycling recyclables?

I mainly food-shop from Waitrose, Marks and Spencer (a.k.a. M&S), Abel and Cole (online only) and top-up from my local Co-op.

As much as possible of my purchases are organic/Fairtrade. Even companies that allege they are responsible and care for the environment use multiple layers of packaging or non-recyclable packaging. Why is my cucumber enveloped in an almost impenetrable layer of thick plastic? As a disabled person who is obliged to buy ready-meals to fit in with carer schedules and so forth, it is impossible to buy products that are environmentally-friendly.

Spain has a national refuse disposal system. There are three types of bin: glass; packaging & landfill. At communal points one can also find separate collections for paper & cardboard &/or clothing &/or shoes. All packaging goes in the yellow bins to be sorted/recycled.

Many plastics are recyclable; but here in Trafford where I reside -  likewise I assume the whole of Manchester as Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority covers all boroughs - such items as yoghourt-pots and food-trays (clearly marked as recyclable) cannot be recycled via the waste-management systems currently in place.

 [Image description: the three recycling-bins in the writer's kitchen]

I have been recycling as much as possible or selling on at boot-fairs or donating to charity shops since 1994. I have written to the head-offices of the places in which I shop on several occasions enquiring about their packaging & recycling policies. I am doing my bit. The onus needs to be switched from consumers as many of us want to recycle more, but are prevented by systems from doing so. I have been invariably fobbed off with a standard spin of "we are fulfilling our legal requirements". Supermarkets and so forth have switched much packaging to recyclables - but more could be done as the article below elucidates. However, waste authorities need to be obligated to take all recyclable products &/or fined for putting same into landfill. Local authorities, such as Trafford, similarly need to be forced to collect recyclable products that cannot be binned from households which do not possess a vehicle to take same to a local refuse collection point.

Alas, UK governments, of whichever persuasion, are too timid about legislating to force and enforce action. I also suspect that BREXIT will be used as an excuse to scrap the regulations we currently have. It will be interesting to see how much/many of companies' green policies have actually been green-wash!

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Almost a third of supermarket plasticpackaging (sic) not widely recyclable, Which? finds

What now for Spain after State Brutality in Catalonia?

[Image description: Spanish state flag & Catalan regional flag flying side by side]

I read the Spanish newspaper El País because I find out news that never gets reported here in the UK. However, I am well aware that it is very right-wing. In their oped of events of the "illegal referendum" on 1st October, they naturally criticise the politicos in Catalonia for inciting the trouble - despite years of grievances between Catalonia and Madrid. Nonetheless, its prime minister Rajoy, and, thus as its representative, the Spanish State, which are blamed the most. This is quite surprising given the newspaper's usual stances.

Son injustificables en Rajoy su pasividad, su impericia y la delegación de responsabilidades.

One cannot justify Rajoy's passivity, his lack of authority and the delegation of responsibilities.

By failing to condemn the violence & brutality perpetrated by state forces against the Catalans, King Felipe may have condemned Spain & the Spanish monarchy to being inexorably broken up and diminished. El Rey lost an opportunity to really use the monarchy to bring all Spaniards together. By being so partisan he has sided with Rajoy: by not condemning his handling of the political situation nor the use of police brutality. The monarch ought to have tried to heal the rift and act as king of all Spaniards, whatever their political persuasions & allegiances.

King Felipe: Catalonia's authorities have 'scorned' all Spaniards with referendum

By failing to condemn the violence & brutality perpetrated by Spanish state forces in Catalonia, the EU has once again shown itself to be incapable of stepping in to hold up European citizens rights - Article 7 must take precedence over Article 4 - and thus is yet again diminished in the eyes of its citizens who cannot understand its failure to stand up for its so-called democratic values. It looks as if the European Union is not going to be of any use to either Catalans nor Spaniards. (And yes I can say that: cf. English/Irish/Scottish/Welsh & British, one can be two different nationalities at the same time.)

The EU has tied its own hands. It cannot intervene in Catalonia

The International Community was and is appalled at the way the Spanish State has handled the issue and the state brutality it brought to bear. Rajoy and the Spanish police forces brought shame upon Spain's reputation. According to the opinion polls prior to Madrid's actions, the referendum would have been won easily by those who wished to remain in Spain. Rajoy's in/actions have pushed more Catalans into wanting independence and probably others around Spain. They appear to be the actions of a weak & very foolhardy person. To support Rajoy & the police, is to accept that international opprobrium is a price worth paying. If the majority of Spaniards believe they were the right and moral actions, then unfortunately the Spanish will lose their reputation for being some of the most affable folk in Europe. I hope, however, that if tempers are given the chance to cool, then reason will re-assert.

If you have read all that I have posted on Catalonia across social media, then you know that I believe it to be better for her to remain with Spain. But Madrid has to give here: not just to the Catalans, but to the rest of the Spanish nationalities and regions. El País - recall a right-wing newspaper - has been calling for years for Madrid to do the same and to renegotiate the Constitution.

Now it is Spain's only hope of holding itself together. Well, that is without a military coup - but who would want that?

Catalonia (English)/ Catalunya (Catalan)/ Cataluña (Castillian)

 [Image Description: the Estelada, Independent Catalan flag; by tooooo - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=739696  ]

I am flying the Estelada not because I think that Catalonia/Catalunya/Cataluña should go independent from Spain, but because I believe in the inherent right to self-determination of all peoples, which has also been a concern of international law since 1860. In modern times, as I understand the matter, all new states have only been considered such after the United Nations has agreed to same.

In all this, one should recall that modern nation-states as we understand them are all relatively new, only since the nineteenth century.

My personal opinion is that the Catalans should be better within the Spanish association, but only if Madrid shares out resources more fairly and treats Catalans with more respect.

However, under Rajoy's PP minority government, I cannot see that happening anytime soon.

Spain is too much controlled by Madrid - the seat of the Spanish centralised government. The State needs to be looking at a much looser association, if it does not want the Catalans, Galicians, Andalusians and maybe even Valencianos seceding. I should suggest devolving as many powers as possible to the regions, etc. and only controlling from the centre defence and the highest level diplomacy, such as for treaties, etc. That awful EU neologism 'subsidiarity' should be the mark of the modern, democratic State.

And that also goes for the UK too, where Scotland is treated not dissimilarly by the British equivalent of Spain's Partido Popular, our Conservatives - commonly referred to as the Tories - who are likewise a minority government. 

Cachitos, Rambla de Catalunya, Barcelona: a Review

On my fourth day in Barcelona, with the wonderful heat, I felt sufficiently well to leave the barrio of Poble Sec and explore the city; although, admittedly, pushed in my wheelchair by my ever sturdy assistant.

Initially we thought of dining in the restaurant of El Corte Inglés at Plaça de Catalunya; but on arrival on their top storey, we discovered that only a self-serve cafeteria was available, requiring one to queue for each and every course and drinks separately. For a chap in a wheelchair, even with an assistant, this would have been an arduous experience. It was a no-no.

So, we set off to explore Eixample, the shopping area of the city. It is also nicknamed Geixample (pronounced gay-shample) due to the concentration of LGBTI businesses and residents. Obviously any eatery we selected had to be wheelchair-accessible in the first instant, but also it had to appeal to the tastes of two different individuals. After a wonderful amble, we stumbled across Rambla de Catalunya. This had covered terrace eateries up and down its length. My pusher pushed and we scoured menus. We spotted a lovely fish restaurant and held it in reserve. However, there was a table on the edge of the covered - thus shady - terrace, which meant I could tuck under the wheelchair and transfer to an ordinary dining-chair, so Cachitos it was.

[Image description: the writer, his wheelchair at his side, at table with a glass of cava rosé]

The maître d' was warm and welcoming. Funnily he assumed I was French and my chum English. Not the first time my Spanish has been assumed to be spoken by a Frenchman. Richard glanced through the wine list and made his selection. Alas, the poor waiter had to return to inform us they had run out. Rico opted for a Juvé y Camps Cava rosé. This was priced at €22, approximately double its price in a Spanish wine-merchant's.

We were not so hungry that we wanted a three-course repast. I selected tuna tartare on an avocado base (below, top left). My companion opted for lamb cutlets with potatoes (below, bottom). Both meals cost €24 each. To share we chose a goat's cheese & pomegranate salad at €10.90 (below, top right), which was very tasty and priced about right for a city centre.

My plate was delicious, the quality good; but was definitely not worth the price paid. This was no cordon-bleu dish. My companion ate all his ration; but, similarly, it was the kind of dish that can be bought for far less in many a Spanish eatery.

For dessert I had to try crema catalana (image above). The vanilla custard was exquisitely light. The sugar-toffee topping ultra-fine. By far the best example I have ever had in Spain or anywhere for that matter. At €5.30 completely worth the price.

Richard chose cheesecake with a blackcurrant coulis (image above). At €6.00 this is more expensive than pâtisserie prices. It was good - but again, not that good, so did not represent value for money.

Service was very good and both our waiter and the maître d' were extremely enthusiastic about their offerings: we were made very welcome. The service level was spot-on, neither too lax nor too fussy.

The total bill with gratuity came to €100. Admittedly we were sitting in a wonderful location and really enjoyed our meal; but the price compared to the standard & quality of cuisine, with hindsight, was far too high.

We had a lovely time and do not regret the experience. However, I cannot recommend Cachitos to you, unless of course money is no object to the reader.

La Federica, Poble Sec, Barcelona: a Review

On the evening of day three in Barcelona, I had recovered sufficiently to take a short stroll into the district in which we were residing, Poble Sec. This is a trendy quarter rapidly becoming known for its culinary highlights. For an example, see my last post on Camilo Hock's Atelier Pan & Cook.

Prior to actually making the trip, I had done some research on places to see, dine at and so on, as well as determining whether there are any gay bars in the vicinity. Spain is not like the UK when it comes to bars specifically dedicated to the queer community, as most bars are welcoming or at least tolerant of one & all. However, there is a concentration of gay-friendly businesses in Eixample, which also happens to be the area for best shopping. So concentrated with LGBTI folk, the area is often nicknamed Geixample (pronounced gay-shample). However, Poble Sec has just the one gay bar - La Federica.

[Image description: (left) the outside façade & hoarding; (right) inside looking out.]

Unlike many bars in Manchester's Gay Village, this bar was frequented by all the stereotypes (bears, leather boys, trannies, lipstick lesbians, denim dykes, disco bunnies, nervous twinks, hipster gays, camp gays, etc.) and aged from twinks to polar-bears. What struck me most was that they all talked to each other - even the lesbians! I was really surprised at what a family atmosphere there is here and told Albert the barman (and co-owner) so. He said that was the vibe they were aiming for. They even permit heteros, as long as they are queer-accepting, gay-friendly.

The top image is myself standing at the trendily retro bar. Whilst the width of the building is somewhat narrow, one can gain a sense of its depth from the bottom left photo of me savouring my dry Martini, expertly shaken not stirred by the delightful, chatty & amiable barkeep. Best dry Martini ever! And to add to my joy, Albert gave me his tip for making it so! - but my lips are sealed! 

Be not fooled by the bottom right portrait of Rico: that is a Moscow Mule and no soft-drink whatever the label on that can of ginger-beer!

Whilst there, we were privy to an art exhibition by the collagist, Randomagus. This link should lead you to the artist installing, previewing and selling his works. The photograph (© La Federica) below is of the artist between the other barman & co-owner (also named Albert) and Albert, the shorter chap on the right as viewed.

Randomagus is extremely tall - his head can be seen popping over the head of the blonde lass behind me in the image below, where I am celebrating my purchase of a limited addition print, signed by the artist himself.

Depending on the night and time one turns up at La Federica will determine the type of ambience from a place for a quiet pick-me-up to a boisterous bacchanalia of imbibing, chatting, laughter and music.

We loved the place so much we popped in twice for wee drinkies. When we are next in Barcelona, nothing will keep us from saying ¡hola! to Albert and his affable clientèle. And anyway, we need to continue working through and sampling all the cocktails on the list!

"El Classico" Tapas Restaurant, Tickhill: a Review

[Image descriptions: mural of the windmills of La Mancha, Spain, in the main dining area]

I reside in Cheshire and have some friends in Grimsby, Doncaster and Scunthorpe, none of which are places that might be termed trendy or even touristy. Normally my carer takes the motorways and we get there as quickly as possible. For my last visit across the Pennines on a lovely autumnal Saturday, we decided to take the scenic route to Sheffield and then onwards to Grimsby for a long weekend. The chosen route was expected to add an extra one to two hours, but we enjoyed the bucolic countryside between towns.

[Image descriptions: "El Classico" signage above the bar]

Hunger meant that we glanced at the atlas and decided to break for luncheon in Maltby. The latter was so dishevelled we did not even stop the car and continued on to the next town, Tickhill. And so glad we did so. Seeing a pub-sign ahead I advised my driver to pull in. There is ample parking to the rear of the pub cum tapas restaurant, El Classico. The name is Spanglish for the classic/el clásico.

[Image descriptions: left, drinks menu; right, tapas menu]

Inside are nooks & crannies, as in most traditional English pubs, but here filled with assorted dining furniture. However, after walking past the grand mock-Tudor bar, one enters a wide dining-hall prepared for large to intimate dining parties (see top image).

Our young waiter was immaculately attired in black shirt & slacks, Spanish waiter style, but soon gave the game away with his broad brogue that he was a local Yorkshireman. At all times throughout our meal, he was attentive, professional and personable. A genuine credit to the restaurant. The youngster explained how the eat-as-much-as-you-want system worked all for a fixed price. Drinks cost extra.

[Image descriptions: our first selection of tapas with beers]

Many of the tapas were comparatively small, more like the portion size of those served gratis in Spanish bars with one's drinks. However, the advantage is that one has space to sample other dishes - or more of the same if one so wishes.

Here I should note that the chef was more than happy to prepare dishes without garlic - to which I am seriously allergic. This is exactly what I find in Spain, where in some fourteen/fifteen years of visits, I have not once had an allergic reaction in eateries. Being a huge fish fan, I was absolutely delighted that chef was able to cook several fish dishes for me. All the delicious food served to my companion and myself was totally authentic, despite no actual Hispanics toiling in the kitchen. The tapas served are not haute cuisine - as found in many a Barcelona tapería, but the kind of healthy & tasty tapas found throughout Iberia.

I cannot say whether there is a disabled-accessible w.c., as on this occasion I was mobile and able to use the ordinary gents toilet. This was scrupulously clean and very spacious.

We intend to revisit El Classico, as it is in a good location, a sort of half-way house between chums, so friends can meet us there. Oh yummy!

Novotel Suites Hotel Málaga: a Review

I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend the Pasarela Larios, the highlight of Málaga Fashion Week. I had plenty of notice, so was able to shop around for accommodation. Rather than stay for a long weekend, I decided that I would visit the Costa del Sol for seven nights. I have several friends in the area, so wanted an opportunity to catch up.

I selected Novotel Suites, an Accor group hotel. Situated on Calle San Jacinto, the building has an open aspect towards ecclesiastical buildings and a pedestrianised plaza. It is approximately ten minutes walking to the nearest commuter-train station and some fifteen minutes to Maria Zambrano, Málaga's main train-station. For shoppers, this is probably the nearest hotel to the famous El Corte Inglés department stores, which is spread over two interconnected buildings. Additionally, one is also just as close to Centro Comercial Málaga Plaza.

Many reviews on Tripadvisor suggest avoiding the hotel's expensive breakfast and heading for one of the local eateries. Having visited Málaga on many occasions, I did likewise. La Canasta is a favourite of mine - as I am extremely fond of cakes and pastries - and they also have an outside terrace where one can watch the world go by. (Be warned, though, that there is a surcharge on all prices for using it!)

During our stay, the old city - casco - was extremely humid, due to the closeness of its narrow streets. My carer and I were thus very grateful for the gentle breezes in the more open aspects around the hotel. Within five minutes, one can be in the old city; within fifteen one is on the Calle Marqués de Larios, the third most expensive street by rents in all of Spain.

On entering the hotel foyer, one is grateful for the coolness of air-conditioning. We were greeted cordially, as we were on every occasion we entered and departed. Due to my weird circulatory system I was worried that the air-conditioning in our room might not be functioning, after reading so many complaints on-line. However, I was advised to just let reception know and it would be sorted immediately. However, during the whole of our stay the air-con worked perfectly.

The hotel is listed as four-star. However, in our experience of travelling through Spain, we have found a great deal of variability and do not tend to trust the star ratings. In this instance, having discussed with my ever-faithful carer, we do consider it to be roughly equivalent to a UK four-star hotel minus a restaurant.

The most important aspect were the rooms and ours definitely warranted its four stars. Hopefully the photos (above) give some sense of the room, but unfortunately not of how spacious it felt.

The bathroom (image above) was spotless. It included a full-size bath-tub and a separate shower that could have fitted four. The only problem during our stay was the shower-tray blocking. It was dealt with immediately by the very efficient & professional manager.

Normally I do not stay in Málaga itself, but now I have found Novotel Suites, I shall be inclined to use it as a base for future visits and at the very least overnight stays when visiting chums in the city.

La Despensa Del Mar Restaurant, Benalmádena: a Review

 

Meeting up with Spanish chums in the commercial district of Benalmádena, called Arroyo de la Miel, we needed a restaurant that could cater for a large electric wheelchair. Despensa was perfect. A waiter willingly re-arranged furniture so that the wheelchair could fit at table.

 

La Despensa del Mar literally translates as the pantry of the sea, an appropriate nomenclature for an eatery specialising in fish and seafood, but as it is attached to a sister restaurant meat-eaters are permitted to select from its menu too.

Between six of us we shared: two house salads; mixed, deep-fried fish & seafood (top image below); lamb meatballs (bottom image); stewed lamb; cheese; and jamón. Almost everything was consumed, but what was not eaten was left only due to each & everyone of us feeling totally stuffed.

 

 

 

Various drinks were consumed, but I personally heartily recommend the draft beer, una caña, which was malt-flavoured and refreshing, served ice-cold.

We did not have dessert as one of the party was celebrating a birthday. We took along our own cake which the staff were happy to bring out after our repast.

Staff were friendly, polite and efficient; well, until it came to paying the bill - apparently, a common issue across Spain!

We all shall be returning.

El Mentidero Restaurant: A Review

I am a huge fish & seafood fan: if I could, I should eat it every day. So staying in Málaga, a port city, I am naturally going to take advantage at every possible opportunity to sample the harvest from the sea.

[Image descriptions: frontage & signage]

On our first night in Málaga I persuaded my companion to dine at a fish restaurant because the menu stated that they also served "carne" - meat dishes. It was the espetos de sardinas grilling on an open barbecue in the window that drew my attention. And luckily there was just one vacant table waiting to be occupied. I did not give my friend any leeway, I sat myself down as rapidly as my arthritic body would let me!

[Image description: espeto de sardinas]

The espeto turned out to be the most disappointing aspect of our dining experience: not bad, not good; just so-so. However the rest of what transpired to be a veritable feast was fabulous.

[Image description: atún con manteca]

The highlight for both my carer & myself - and a dish we intend to return for before we return to England - is the atún con manteca or tuna with pork dripping. Tuna in Spain is not what we in the UK are used to: it comes in all sorts of varieties, cuts and styles. This dish was a thin steak of slightly dried tuna. Served with cold, toasted bread slices the combination might sound incongruous, but oh the flavour and texture in the mouth…! All that remained was one slice of unwanted toast.

[Image description: empty plate]

My chum is a fiend for home-made Spanish croquetas or croquettes. At Mentidero their speciality is a creamy cod & cheese delicacy. Friend demolished them all. And he heartily recommends.

[Image description: rosada a la plancha with salad - half the fish consumed!]

I opted for rosada a la plancha or grilled/braised kingklip. This is a very common fish dish in Andalusia. However, in fourteen years of visiting this was the best I had ever consumed - totally, except for a tiny mouthful I permitted my pal! The flesh is thick, flaky, succulent and very tasty.

[Image description: bread basket]

A bread basket accompanied the meal - the Spanish seem to eat bread with everything. Often such bread is dry and tasteless. We, however, were treated to the lightest of light corn-breads, which was slightly sweet with a cake-like texture. Surprisingly it went really well with all our dishes.

The house dry white wine had a slightly citric flavour that balanced well with the seafood.

We anticipate returning to El Mentidero very soon… Oh, yum!

Y: the last man / Y: el último hombre : a review

During my annual residence in Spain last year, I purchased from En Portada Comics the ten graphic novels in Spanish (image above) that comprise the complete set of Y: the last man / Y: el último hombre. Most I read during my quotidian visits to Maracas Beach Bar in Benalmádena Costa. However, the last I had to wait to read, as I again lost my ability to read for enjoyment. Due to a bout of insomnia I completed my reading of the series.

Several years ago, I came across volume one in English (image above) in the appropriate section of Manchester's branch of Waterstone's. At the time I loved the idea of a world without men, in which the last man alive tries to stay alive and battle his way across the planet to find his betrothed. Just a good job that he turns out to be heterosexual, otherwise it might have proved a disaster for humankind!

I do not wish to reveal any more of the plot: however, for those who do not find synopses detract from their enjoyment of books, a brief overview can be found in this Wikipedia article.

The only pointer I should make is the reason for the disappearance of all male creatures from Earth is never overtly stated, but several theories and explanations are offered throughout the series. The reason I am apprising the reader is so that they can look for clues if they so wish.

Out of the ten books, only one slightly disappointed from a narrative perspective (not the last); however, I enjoyed the artworks and the characters throughout. Additionally, as the novel was originally published in comic-book format, the extra covers are included for good measure at the rear of each relevant tome; so no-one will miss out on the superb cover-art.

I believe there is a de-luxe version of the series in English, which I might consider placing on my wish-list.

Totally recommend! %D